Five unwanted records Novak Djokovic set with shock US Open exit
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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 at the ongoing US Open 2026 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
Unwanted Novak Djokovic records at US Open 2026
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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.
Related: Novak Djokovic falls out of elite company he hasn’t left since 2018
Drops out of 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.
Who defeated Novak Djokovic at US Open 2026?
Djokovic was knocked out in the first round of 2026 US Open, going down in four sets to Argentine Mariano Navone. He lost 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6.
Is this the first time Novak Djokovic has been knocked out in the first round of a Grand Slam?
No, Djokovic has exited the first round of a Grand Slam event previously. However, this is the first time in 20 years that he suffered a defeat in the first round of a Slam. Moreover, this is also his first-ever opening-round exit at the US Open.
What other unwanted records did Novak Djokovic set with his shocking first-round defeat?
His defeat also ended a 23-year streak of having at least one of the “Big Three” in the second round of a Slam. The loss also ensured Djokovic’s drop in rankings—he will move out of the top 10 in ATP rankings for the first time since July 2018.
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