Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking first-round defeat at the U.S. Open on Sunday, ending his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title. The 39-year-old Serbian legend lost to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes, with a final score of 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
This marks Djokovic's earliest exit at the U.S. Open, where he had previously been 19-0 in opening matches. Furthermore, it is the first time in over two decades that the 24-time major winner has lost in the first round of a Grand Slam, a streak that had remained intact since the 2006 Australian Open.
During the grueling clash, Djokovic struggled with physical and internal ailments, making frequent mistakes as he physically unraveled. He was unable to overcome the feisty, younger Navone, who remained unintimidated by the most decorated player in tennis history.
The defeat leaves many questions regarding Djokovic's future, as he has been unable to add to his major title total in three years. Observers are now questioning if time or an unknown health condition is catching up with the veteran athlete.