Novak’s US Open campaign came to an end in the first round following a marathon battle with Argentina’s Mariano Navone, which featured several major momentum swings and was played in demanding weather conditions. After losing the opening set, the Serbian fought back to take a 2-1 lead, but a back injury ultimately halted his comeback and prevented him from performing at his best in the closing stages.
After four hours and 36 minutes of intense action, Navone prevailed 3-2, winning 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The exhausting opening set lasted 73 minutes. Novak made an excellent start, breaking serve to move 3-0 ahead, but gradually lost his rhythm and began making more errors. Navone took advantage, breaking back in the seventh game before levelling at 4-4 and forcing a tense finish. The Argentine played aggressively from the start of the tie-break and maintained a mini-break advantage, which ultimately proved decisive. Navone took the opener 7-6(7-5).
Novak was patient in the second set and waited for his opportunity. He came close to breaking on several occasions, but Navone repeatedly found a way out at the crucial moments. The breakthrough finally came in the 11th game, when Novak broke serve without dropping a point. He then confidently served out the set and, after just under an hour on Arthur Ashe Stadium, levelled the match at one set apiece.
The third set followed a similar pattern. Navone continued to play highly aggressive tennis, but the Serbian was able to withstand the pressure and keep the score close. The key moment came in the ninth game, when Novak secured the break and held on to his advantage to take the set 6-4 and move ahead 2-1. As the set drew to a close, it became increasingly clear that Novak was struggling with the demanding weather conditions, and at one point he vomited in the corner of the court.
Novak made a strong start to the fourth set, immediately breaking serve to move 2-1 ahead, and appeared to be on course to close out the match. However, as the set progressed, his body language became increasingly concerning and Navone seized control. The Argentine broke Novak three times, turning the set around and forcing a deciding fifth set.
After the fourth set, Novak received medical attention for back pain, but returning to the court did not bring the expected turnaround. The Serbian was visibly struggling with the injury and moving with difficulty, while on several occasions he was unable to hide his tears. Navone took full advantage of the situation and comfortably closed out the deciding set 6-1.
This was the first time in Novak’s career that he has lost a first-round match at the US Open.
Photo: Profimedia
