Us Open, the decline of the king. Djokovic immediately out in the first round

Novak Djokovicwas surprisingly eliminated in the first round of theUS Opendefeated after a very tough match by the ArgentineMariano Navonenumber 49 in the world, with a score of 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

The former world number one, now fifth in the ranking, had not lost in the first round of a Slam for over twenty years: the last time it happened atAustralian Open 2006. An exit that further removes the possibility, at 39 years of age, of conquering the25th Grand Slam titlean achievement that would represent an absolute record.

Djokovic: “I have a serious problem, I didn’t have fun”

Djokovic’s body couldn’t stand the long battle. Despite the intervention of the medical staff and taking medications, the Serbian champion vomited several times during the match.

“I think it was clear that the sensations on the pitch were terrible,” he said at the end of the match. “Unfortunately it’s something I’ve carried with me into practically every game this year. Vomit, ho un serious problemfrom that point of view and then the whole body basically starts to give in, withcrampsand pains. In the end my back gave out, as did my shoulder, and I wasn’t able to finish the match as I wanted.”

Djokovic then gave credit to his opponent: “I don’t want to take anything away from his victory. Congratulations to him, he’s a good guy and a fighter. But I didn’t have fun.” The Serbian also thanked the public for their “incredible support”, adding that “the affection really touched my heart”.

The match: two sets ahead and then the collapse

Despite physical problems, Djokovic continued to fight. The first set escaped a tie-break after a forehand ended on the tape. In the second set the Serbian managed to react, taking advantage of an empty pass from Navone on serve to restore the balance.

A similar scenario was repeated in the third set, when the Argentine again surrendered the serve in a decisive moment, allowing Djokovic to take the lead by two sets to one.

The effort, however, took its toll in the fourth set. At 2-1 the Serbian was hit by cramps and from that moment on physically collapsed, losing eight consecutive games. Navone thus completed the comeback and closed the match afterwards4 hours and 36 minutessigning one of the most important victories of his career.

Medvedev surpasses Gaston without difficulty

Instead, move forwardDaniil MedvedevUS Open champion in 2021, who overcame the FrenchmanHugo Gastonwith a score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, qualifying for the next round without any particular problems.

Rain in New York, China match suspended

The first day’s program ended only on pitches with roofs due to therainthat hit New York.

Among the suspended meetings is also the one betweenFederico Cinà e Alex Michelseninterrupted with a score of 6-4, 1-1 in favor of the American, number 46 in the ATP ranking.

The 19-year-old Sicilian, coming from the qualifiers and number 181 in the world, showed personality and technical qualities, highlighting effective backhand accelerations and notable ease. However, the first set was decided by the break suffered in the last game of the fraction.