Djokovic Suffers Shock US Open First-Round Loss to Argentina's Mariano Navone

New York: Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title came to a stunning and emotional halt as the 24-time champion suffered a first-round defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone at the US Open.

The fourth-seeded Serbian fell 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a grueling, four-hour and 36-minute marathon on Arthur Ashe Stadium that concluded shortly before midnight.

It is Djokovic's first opening-round exit at a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open.

According to reports, visibly drained and overwhelmed as the match slipped away, Djokovic broke down in emotional tears during the deciding fifth set. Despite fighting back from a set down to claim the second and third sets, Djokovic's body ultimately gave way.

Navone, the 25-year-old unseeded Argentine, seized control in the fourth and fifth sets to secure the monumental victory of his career.

Speaking to reporters after the match, a candid Djokovic cast heavy doubt on his future in the sport. "I didn't enjoy myself. I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me," Djokovic said. "The vomiting, the gagging, it's a serious problem... My whole body started to collapse, basically cramping and pain. The back just gave up in the end. I'm just trying to understand what's going on and how much longer I can keep going like this."

For Navone, the victory propels him into the second round of the tournament, while Djokovic leaves Flushing Meadows without winning his 25th Grand Slam title.