New York, Aug 31 (V7N) — Novak Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title suffered a stunning setback as the 24-time major champion was eliminated in the first round of the US Open.
The 39-year-old Serbian star lost to Argentina's Mariano Navone in a dramatic five-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Navone won 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1.
Djokovic struggled physically from the beginning amid intense heat in New York. After losing the opening-set tiebreak, he mounted a strong comeback in the second and third sets and appeared to take control of the match.
However, his physical condition deteriorated as the contest progressed. Djokovic became ill and vomited on court. After falling 4-1 behind in the deciding set, he was unable to recover and eventually surrendered the match.
The defeat ended Djokovic's extraordinary run of 78 consecutive first-round victories at Grand Slam tournaments. His previous first-round defeat at a major came against Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.
Following the loss, Djokovic broke down in tears on court, visibly disappointed after seeing his hopes of claiming a record 25th Grand Slam title disappear.
For Navone, the victory was the biggest of his career and his first meeting with his childhood idol.
The Argentine described the win over Djokovic as a dream come true.
END/SMA/AJ
