Novak Djokovic was ousted by Mariano Navone at the U.S. Open, marking the tennis G.O.A.T.’s earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades, since the Australian Open shock in 2006.
Argentine star Navone beat struggling Djokovic in a four-hour, five-set battle on Saturday night by 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-1.
This also marks the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic’s career.
Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a disappointing performance that concluded just minutes before the clock struck midnight ET.
The young tennis star Navone, buzzing with the big win, said, “(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court.”
“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 play. I mean, five sets… I’m very happy. I don’t know. What can I say?” Navone added.
The 24-major-titles holder Djokovic vomited at least once and later showed signs of cramping when he stretched for his left foot.
During a medical timeout, Djokovic was given pills brought by a doctor and got his lower back massage between the fourth and fifth sets.
Djokovic throughout the game struggled with his sickness, which took its toll.
The Serbian fourth seed raced to 3-0 and 4-1 early leads only to blow both and lose the first set, marking the first time he has lost a first-round opening set at the US Open since 2006.
With this shocking defeat, exactly 21 years down the memory lane from his US Open debut, he will drop out of the ATP’s Top 10 since July 2018.
