Djokovic's Grand Slam First-Round Streak Ends in Five-Set Upset; Pegula Advances
Novak Djokovic's record 78-match Grand Slam first-round winning streak ended with a five-set loss to Mariano Navone on Day 1. The 39-year-old struggled with illness during the match. No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula advanced with a win over Elena Gabriela Ruse.
Djokovic’s defeat marks his earliest exit at a major since the 2006 Australian Open, snapping a streak that spanned nearly two decades. He struggled physically throughout, vomiting twice and battling cramps before fading in the final two sets. Navone, making his Arthur Ashe debut, capitalized on Djokovic’s condition to secure the biggest win of his career. The result leaves the men’s draw more open, with Jannik Sinner already absent and Carlos Alcaraz not at full fitness. Meanwhile, Pegula’s straightforward victory keeps the No. 3 seed on course in the women’s bracket.
This upset may reshape fan expectations around Djokovic’s twilight years, highlighting how age and illness can erode even the greatest consistency. Younger players could gain confidence knowing the top tier is vulnerable, potentially accelerating a generational shift in men’s tennis. For broadcasters and sponsors, early elimination of a marquee name may affect viewership, though the tournament’s depth offers new narratives. Casual observers might see this as a symbolic end of an era, while dedicated followers may focus on whether Djokovic can regroup for 2027.