New Delhi, September 1: Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title came to a stunning end after the 39-year-old was knocked out in the opening round of the US Open by Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Djokovic, chasing a fifth US Open title, lost 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to the world No. 49 in a gruelling match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes, reported Sky Sports.
The defeat marked the earliest Grand Slam exit of Djokovic’s career since the 2006 Australian Open. It was also the longest opening-round match he has played at a major. Djokovic appeared to struggle physically in the oppressive humidity, finding it difficult to move at times and vomiting several times during the match.
The Serbian had entered the contest with an impressive 42-12 record in five-set matches, while Navone had never won one in four previous attempts. But the Argentine held his nerve as Djokovic’s physical struggles intensified, completing one of the biggest wins of his career.
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