Djokovic Stunned in First-Round Upset at US Open as Grand Slam
Quest Falls Short

New York, 31 Aug 2026 (ONA) — Novak
Djokovic of Serbia made a shock first-round exit from the US Open tennis
championships, falling to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a grueling
four-hour-and-36-minute encounter that ended 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

The defeat brings a premature
close to the 39-year-old Serbian’s bid for a record-extending 25th major
singles title.

Djokovic, who struggled with
physical ailments throughout the match—including episodes of vomiting and
compromised serving due to a back complaint—was unable to contain his unseeded
opponent, as Navone clinched the biggest victory of his professional career.
The loss marks Djokovic’s first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam event
since the Australian Open in 2006.

In the women’s draw, American
Jessica Pegula launched her campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over
Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, advancing to the second round while maintaining
her aspirations of ascending to the world No. 1 ranking. Italy’s Jasmine
Paolini also secured her place in the next round, whereas No. 27 seed Barbora
Krejčíková bowed out in the opening round.

Ukrainian duo Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina both registered
emphatic starts to their tournaments, with Kostyuk dispatching Australia’s
Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-1, and Svitolina cruising past Argentina’s Solana Sierra
6-1, 6-2.

— Ends/AH