Djokovic’s tearful loss leaves future uncertain
Novak Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit at the US Open, breaking down in tears during a five-set defeat by Argentina's Emilio Nardi Navone. The loss ends several remarkable records for the 39-year-old and raises fresh questions about how much longer he can continue competing at the highest level, three years after winning his 24th and most recent Grand Slam title.
The defeat, 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1, was Djokovic's first opening-round Grand Slam loss since 2006 and ends a 78-match first-round winning streak at majors, as well as his perfect 37-0 record in the first two rounds at the US Open. He will also drop out of the world's top 10 for the first time since July 2018, and for the first time in almost 24 years the rankings will lack all three of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the top ten, following Nadal's and Federer's earlier retirements. Djokovic, who turns 40 next May, said he "despised every moment" on court despite the crowd's support, and has recently spoken of ongoing health struggles even after what he felt was his best post-Wimbledon recovery in two years.
- Djokovic loses in US Open first round for first time since 2006
- Ends 78-match Grand Slam first-round winning streak
- Will fall out of world's top 10 for first time since 2018
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Djokovic is one of the most successful players in tennis history, with 24 Grand Slam singles titles, though his most recent came three years ago. Alongside long-time rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, he formed part of a trio that dominated men's tennis for around two decades, but both of the other two have since retired from the sport.
The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the sport's most prestigious events, held annually in New York. Djokovic, now approaching 40, has in recent months spoken openly about health difficulties affecting his ability to compete, fuelling ongoing speculation about how much longer he intends to keep playing at the top level.