Navone's Mental Edge Powers Five-Set Upset of Djokovic at U.S. Open

Mariano Navone rallied from a two-sets-to-one deficit and a break down in the fourth set to defeat Novak Djokovic in five sets at the U.S. Open. The 25-year-old Argentine credited his mental approach for the comeback, while the 39-year-old Djokovic showed visible signs of physical struggle. The loss marks Djokovic's first first-round exit at a major since 2006.

Navone's victory marked the first time he had ever beaten a top-10 opponent, and the four-hour, 36-minute battle was the longest match of his career. The Argentine had previously never advanced past the second round of a Grand Slam. Djokovic's first-round exit at a major was his earliest since 2006, ending a streak of 76 consecutive appearances in which he reached at least the second round.

Other Day 1 results saw Jessica Pegula begin her quest for a first major title with a straight-sets win, while Daniil Medvedev avoided a repeat of his 2025 opening-round loss. Kamilla Rakhimova, now representing Uzbekistan, upset two-time major champion Barbora Krejčíková, and American Tommy Paul rallied from a set down. Eighteen-year-old wild card Jack Kennedy was overpowered by Lloyd Harris.