Novak Djokovic struggled with physical and mental challenges, committing numerous errors and failing to overcome a determined, younger opponent unafraid of facing the tennis legend. The 39-year-old’s journey at the U.S. Open came to an end with a marathon five-set loss to Mariano Navone on Sunday night in New York, lasting over four hours and 30 minutes.

This defeat marked Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam in two decades, dating back to the 2006 Australian Open, as he had never previously been eliminated in the first round at the U.S. Open. The match, which Djokovic described as a dreadful experience, saw him struggle with vomiting, cramps, and pain, requiring medical attention during the game.

Despite his efforts, Djokovic made a staggering 70 unforced errors, leading to a disappointing end to the match just before midnight. Reflecting on this unexpected defeat, Djokovic expressed concerns about his physical condition and hinted at reevaluating his future in the sport.

On the brighter side, Canadian players Leylah Fernandez and Denis Shapovalov had successful outings at the U.S. Open. Fernandez advanced to the second round by defeating Shuai Zhang, showcasing her skills with a solid performance. Meanwhile, Shapovalov secured a victory over Miomir Kecmanovic in the men’s singles category.

In the women’s event, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka began her title defense with a win over Camila Osorio, setting a strong start for her campaign. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning men’s champion, also had a promising start, triumphing over Roman Safiullin in straight sets.

However, the tournament saw veteran player Venus Williams exiting early after a straight-set loss to Sofia Kenin, raising speculations about her future in professional tennis. Despite the defeat, Williams remains focused on her recovery and future matches, emphasizing her dedication to the sport.

These matches showcased a mix of surprises and expected victories, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead at the U.S. Open.