RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 10 sourcesNovak Djokovic’s first-round defeat at the 2026 US Open may have ended his campaign earlier than expected, but the match produced several significant records and milestones for both the Serbian great and his opponent Mariano Navone.The match marked Djokovic’s 20th appearance at the US Open, making him only the fourth man in men’s singles to reach the landmark. He joined Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Feliciano Lopez in the exclusive group.“I'm very proud of that,” Djokovic said. “Obviously, longevity was always one of the goals when I was younger: trying to have long career, trying to have more shots at Grand Slam and stay healthy long enough so that I can perform for as many years as possible.”Djokovic has appeared at every US Open since making his debut in 2005, except in 2017 when a right elbow injury forced him to miss the tournament. He has won the title four times, in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023.His first US Open match, a five-set marathon against Gael Monfils, came two decades ago. Monfils, who is planning to retire, is also competing at this year’s tournament.“Here we are 20 years later,” Djokovic said. “We're both still grinding and representing the older generation.”Records broken and made during this historic nightWhile Djokovic added another longevity record, his defeat to Navone brought one of his most remarkable Grand Slam streaks to an end. Navone stunned the 24-time major champion 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to record the biggest victory of his career.The defeat snapped Djokovic’s streak of 78 consecutive first-round wins at Grand Slam tournaments. It was his first opening-round loss at a major since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a run that had lasted nearly two decades.The four-hour, 36-minute battle also became the longest first-round match in a major tournament in Djokovic’s professional career.For Navone, the victory was the biggest of his career.For Djokovic, it was a night of contrasting milestones, his 20th US Open appearance ended with his earliest exit from the tournament and the loss of one of his longest-standing Grand Slam streaks.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
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