Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the U.S. Open after a nearly five-hour match against Argentine player Mariano Navone, earning $140,000 in prize money despite the loss, according to fortune.com. The match took place this past Sunday night in New York City, marking Djokovic's first first-round defeat at a Grand Slam in 20 years.
Djokovic, 39, who holds the men’s all-time record with 24 Grand Slam singles titles and is tied with Margaret Court for the most titles in tennis history, lost in five grueling sets. The match extended until nearly midnight, with Djokovic visibly struggling with physical ailments including cramping, limping, and vomiting. He described his body as starting to "collapse" due to ongoing health issues affecting his back and shoulder during the final stages of the match.
This defeat ended Djokovic’s streak of 78 consecutive first-round wins at Grand Slam tournaments. His opponent, 25-year-old Mariano Navone, an unseeded underdog, secured the win after an intense battle against one of tennis’s most decorated champions. Djokovic was aiming to break the record for most Grand Slam titles but will now fall short of that milestone this year.
Djokovic’s early exit from the U.S. Open contrasts with his off-court earnings, as he still walks away with $140,000 in prize money from the tournament. The U.S. Open continues in New York City with other top tennis stars competing for the title and multimillion-dollar payouts.