Djokovic out in first round of Grand Slam after 20 years

Novak Djokovic entered the US Open with the dream of winning a record 25th Grand Slam. But the Serbian tennis superstar suffered a major setback at the start. Djokovic, who has won 24 Grand Slams, was eliminated in the first round of the US Open after losing a five-set match to Argentina's Mariano Navone.

Navone defeated Djokovic 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match held at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Sunday (August 30). The match lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes.

With this defeat, Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2006 Australian Open. That is, his journey stopped at the beginning of a Grand Slam after more than two decades.

Djokovic came back after falling behind in the first set

Djokovic looked quite uncomfortable at the beginning of the match. Navone won the first set 7-5 in a tiebreaker.

However, Djokovic made a great comeback in the second set. He won the set 7-5 and tied the match. The Serbian star also showed his experience and skill by winning the third set 6-4.

As a result, Djokovic led 2-1. He was in the fight at one point in the fourth set. But then Navone took complete control of the match.

The Argentine player won the fourth set 6-2 and the fifth set 6-1, winning one of the biggest victories of his career.

Djokovic overcomes physical problems

Djokovic's physical problems were evident throughout the match. He was uncomfortable in the humid weather of New York. He was seen using ice bags on his head at different times in the match.

Djokovic also vomited several times during the third set. Later, his physical condition deteriorated further. Towards the end of the match, the 39-year-old star was suffering from back and shoulder problems as well as cramps.

Djokovic continued to fight despite his physical illness. However, in the end, he could not survive Navone's strong performance.

Dream of 25th Grand Slam shattered

Djokovic's goal at the US Open was to win a record 25th Grand Slam. At the same time, he had the opportunity to win the US Open title for the fifth time.

But that dream was temporarily stopped after he lost in the first round. This defeat against Navone is also considered one of the biggest events of Djokovic's career.

Navone's biggest win of his career

25-year-old Mariano Navone achieved one of the biggest wins of his career by defeating Djokovic. Before the match, the Argentine player considered the Serbian star as one of his idols.

Coming back from two sets down to beat Djokovic was a special achievement for Navone. The victory remains one of the most significant achievements of his career.

Djokovic's exit in the first round of the US Open was a major upset. Losing his first match at a Grand Slam in more than 20 years has brought renewed attention to the 39-year-old legend's fitness and future career.