US Open shock leaves Novak Djokovic with a host of unwanted records

A cloud of uncertainty hovers over Djokovic’s future following his US Open 2026 exit

Novak Djokovic’s bid for a 25th Grand Slam title in New York lasted just a match. Mariano Navone of Argentina, ranked outside the top 40, prevailed over the Serbian in five sets during the ongoing US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium, in a contest that dragged on for over four and a half hours.

Djokovic threw up more than once out there, and struggled to hold himself together as the match went the distance. By the fourth set, he was cramping and grimacing his way through points he would have won easily just a few months back.

“It was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic admitted afterwards, and the visuals from the court were heartbreaking. This defeat ended several long-standing records Djokovic held. Let’s take a look at some of them.

RELATED: Novak Djokovic opens up on physical struggles after shock US Open exit

First Grand Slam opening-round defeat since 2006

Before the 2026 US Open, Djokovic had won 78 consecutive first-round matches at majors. The longest streak of its kind in the Open era, men’s or women’s, has now been broken. The last time he went out this early was the 2006 Australian Open, when a teenage Djokovic lost to American qualifier Paul Goldstein.

First-ever opening-round exit at the US Open

New York had always been kind to him early on. In his 19 US Open appearances, the Serbian had never lost in the opening round here. His worst result at this event before this edition was a third-round exit to Alexei Popyrin of Australia in 2024.

Drops out of the ATP top 10 for the first time since July 2018

Djokovic suffered a massive ATP Singles ranking points hit too. He was defending 800 points following last year’s run to the semis, and a first-round loss only earns 10 points, so he loses 790 ranking points. That sends him from No. 5 to No. 11 in the live rankings (he could drop further by the end of the competition).

First time since October 2002 that no ‘Big Three’ member is in the top 10

This record is a reminder that the golden era of men’s tennis is now over. With Djokovic at No. 11, none of the three Big Three members, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Djokovic, are currently inside the ATP Top 10. The last time none of the three legends featured in the Top 10 was in October 2002.

RELATED: Long-standing ‘Big Three’ record ends after Novak Djokovic’s first-round exit at 2026 US Open

Risks missing ATP Finals for the first time since 2017

The 39-year-old has qualified for the ATP year-end finals every year since 2007 except once, back in 2017. With his ranking outside the top 10 and not many big events left to make up ground, missing it this time around is a real possibility.

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