Novak Djokovic exits US Open in first round due to illness
Novak Djokovic was defeated by Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years. The 48th-ranked Argentine won in five sets: 7-6 7/5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Djokovic, who is 39, reported feeling unwell during the match, experiencing vomiting, cramps, and pain, stating his back and shoulder gave out. This loss ended his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title and his streak of 78 Grand Slam first-round victories, which dated back to 2006. Despite taking medication and a medical timeout, Djokovic was unable to recover after Navone won five consecutive games in the fourth set and dominated the fifth. Elsewhere at the US Open, world number three Jessica Pegula advanced to the second round, defeating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2. Former champion Daniil Medvedev also progressed with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Hugo Gaston. Other matches saw Dino Prizmic save two match points to win against Aleksandr Shevchenko, and Jaume Munar secure a nearly five-hour victory over Terence Atmane.
