Djokovic falls in US Open first round, earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years

In a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years. The 48th-ranked Argentine Mariano Navone triumphed in a grueling five-set match, securing a 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory over the Serbian tennis legend. Djokovic's early exit ended his streak of 78 consecutive Grand Slam first-round wins, which dated back to his 2006 Australian Open loss to Paul Goldstein.

The 39-year-old Djokovic showed signs of struggle throughout the match, vomiting on court and experiencing late-match cramps. However, he managed to take control in the fourth set, breaking Navone's serve for a 2-1 lead. Despite his efforts, Navone mounted a relentless comeback, winning the next five games to take the set 5-2. Djokovic was forced to take a medical timeout, receiving a spine massage and medication, but it was not enough as Navone solidified his lead in the decisive fifth set, dropping just one point on his own serve.

Djokovic's early exit left him in disbelief, with the ecstatic Navone expressing his elation, calling it a "dream come true."