Five sets against GOAT: Navone savours career-defining US Open win vs Djokovic

Argentine Mariano Navone was lost for words after pulling off the biggest win of his career, stunning Novak Djokovic 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6 in a gruelling five-set first-round clash at the US Open. The defeat ended Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam crown.US Open: Mariano Navone savours career-defining win over ‘GOAT’ Novak Djokovic (Reuters Photo)Argentine Mariano Navone struggled to find the words after pulling off the biggest win of his career. The 25-year-old, who grew up idolising Novak Djokovic, stunned the 39-year-old in a gruelling five-set battle at the US Open on Sunday night.Navone revelled in the victory, admitting he was still stunned to have beaten a player he considers the greatest of all time (GOAT). "It was very tough for me because you are playing with the 'GOAT' on this court," Navone said after the match."For sure it's the best thing I've had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It's amazing, the way we played. I mean, five sets. I'm very happy. I don't know. What can I say?"Navone, ranked 49th in the world, defeated fourth-seeded Djokovic 6-7(5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in four hours and 36 minutes to send the Serbian out in the first round. The defeat ended Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title and a fifth US Open crown. It was also his earliest exit at a major since the 2006 Australian Open.For Navone, the victory was even more remarkable given his record in five-set matches. He had lost all four of his previous Grand Slam matches that went the distance. Djokovic, meanwhile, had won 42 of his previous 54 five-setters. The Argentine had to fight hard from the start. Djokovic raced into a 3-0 lead in the opening set in humid conditions at Flushing Meadows, but Navone fought back to level at 4-4 before forcing a tie-break.Djokovic was already showing signs of discomfort, and Navone took advantage to win the opener 7-6(5).Rain then caused a brief interruption, with the roof closed on the main show court. Djokovic responded by raising his level and took the second set 7-5.But the physical problems that had been evident from the opening set continued to trouble him.Djokovic vomited courtside during the third set but recovered well enough to break Navone for a 5-4 lead. He then held his serve to take the set and move to within one of victory.Navone did not let the setback affect him. Djokovic's movement became increasingly limited in the fourth set, while his serve also began to falter. Navone took control and levelled the match by winning the set 6-2.Djokovic vomited again at the start of the fourth before breaking Navone for a 2-1 lead, but the Serbian continued to struggle physically. After hitting a shot wide, he landed awkwardly and dropped his racket.Navone took advantage and moved through the deciding set, winning 6-1 to complete a stunning victory just before midnight in New York.Djokovic finished with 70 unforced errors and was unable to find a way past an opponent who refused to back down as the match wore on.The loss also means Djokovic will drop out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in eight years.It was another difficult night physically for the Serbian, who had also struggled in Cincinnati two weeks earlier. Djokovic lost to Thiago Agustin Tirante at the tournament and was seen collapsing to his knees before being sick into a towel.After that match, Djokovic said he had been dealing with a "health issue" for many years that affects him in heat and humidity.The conditions in New York were warm and humid, although not as extreme as they had been in Cincinnati. Djokovic was already visibly struggling midway through the first set, with his cheeks flushed and his hair soaked with sweat.For Navone, however, the conditions and the occasion did little to stop him from completing the biggest victory of his career.The significance was not lost on him. Djokovic had been his idol growing up, and beating him at the US Open was a moment he had dreamed about."It means a lot for me. It's a dream come true. Certainly 100%," Navone said.After four hours and 36 minutes on court, though, the Argentine had one thing on his mind. "It's almost 12 am. We have to go to sleep," he said.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Aug 31, 2026 10:11 IST