Novak Djokovic struggled with both physical challenges and errors in his match against a determined younger opponent at the U.S. Open. Despite a marathon five-set battle lasting over four hours, Djokovic ultimately fell to Mariano Navone in the first round, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades. The 39-year-old, who had never previously lost in the opening round at the U.S. Open, expressed his discomfort on the court, citing various health issues including vomiting, cramping, and pain.
Djokovic’s performance was marred by 70 unforced errors, culminating in a disappointing conclusion to the match just before midnight. Following the defeat, Djokovic hinted at uncertainties about his future in Grand Slam tournaments, contemplating his next steps.
In contrast, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez showcased a strong performance in the women’s singles, defeating Shuai Zhang in straight sets to advance to the second round. Fernandez demonstrated a solid game with a notable display of aces and effective break-point conversions. On the men’s side, Denis Shapovalov secured a victory over Miomir Kecmanovic in a competitive match, marked by a mix of aces and double faults.
Meanwhile, defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz started their title defenses on a positive note. Sabalenka secured a victory over Camila Osorio, aiming for a historic third consecutive U.S. Open title. Alcaraz, returning to singles competition after a wrist injury, swiftly defeated Roman Safiullin in straight sets, setting the stage for his next match against Jaime Faria.
Venus Williams, however, faced a tough loss to Sofia Kenin in straight sets, ending her U.S. Open singles campaign. Despite a valiant effort in the second set, Williams could not overcome Kenin’s strong play, leading to her early exit from the tournament. The match, which concluded in the early hours of the morning, marked a challenging moment for the veteran player.
In other notable results, Amanda Anisimova and Stefanos Tsitsipas delivered strong performances in their respective matches, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the U.S. Open tournament.