Djokovic Stunned in US Open First Round Upset
On.cc · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one from Serbia, endured a nightmarish start to his 2024 US Open campaign on Monday, August 31. The four-time US Open champion was eliminated in the first round by Maria Navone of Argentina in a grueling 4-hour-36-minute encounter, losing 2-3 (6:7, 7:5, 6:4, 2:6, 1:6) . Despite coming back from one set down to lead 2-1, Djokovic's physical condition deteriorated dramatically in the final two sets, with reports indicating he suffered cramps and vomiting during the match . The Serbian star, seeded fourth in the tournament, accumulated 70 unforced errors throughout the contest . This defeat marks Djokovic's first-ever first-round exit at the US Open and his worst Grand Slam performance since the 2006 Australian Open .
Key Points
- The match at Flushing Meadows lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, with Navone prevailing 6:7, 7:5, 6:4, 2:6, 1:6
- Djokovic led 2-1 after three sets but collapsed in the fourth and fifth sets, losing 2-6 and 1-6
- The Serbian suffered physical distress including cramps and vomiting during the match
- Navone was ranked 49th in the world and entered the tournament with a wildcard
- Djokovic has won the US Open four times and needed one more title to tie the all-time record
Why It Matters
This stunning upset signals a potential decline for one of tennis' greatest players, with Djokovic admitting he has been experiencing physical problems throughout 2024, including vomiting in nearly every match and increasing difficulty managing pain in his back and shoulders . The result opens up the bottom half of the draw significantly, potentially benefiting other title contenders as Djokovic's quest for a record-tying fifth US Open title ends prematurely . His post-match comments about questioning how far he can continue suggest this could mark the beginning of the end for his legendary career .
This stunning upset signals a potential decline for one of tennis' greatest players, with Djokovic admitting he has been experiencing physical problems throughout 2024, including vomiting in nearly every match and increasing difficulty managing pain in his back and shoulders . The result opens up the bottom half of the draw significantly, potentially benefiting other title contenders as Djokovic's quest for a record-tying fifth US Open title ends prematurely . His post-match comments about questioning how far he can continue suggest this could mark the beginning of the end for his legendary career .