Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title ended abruptly at Flushing Meadows after the Serbian icon fell to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a grueling first-round battle.

The world No. 49 stunned the 39-year-old with a 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory in a contest that stretched four hours and 36 minutes, making it the longest opening-round match of Djokovic’s entire Grand Slam career.

The defeat also marks his earliest departure from a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open, a stark reminder of how far the veteran has fallen from his dominant peak.

Navone capitalized as Djokovic visibly wilted under New York’s punishing humidity, battling physical breakdowns that ultimately proved too much to overcome.

Speaking candidly after the match, Djokovic didn’t hold back on the toll the encounter took on his body. He admitted the experience was far from enjoyable, describing how discomfort has plagued him throughout much of the season.

He revealed he’d been dealing with bouts of vomiting and nausea during matches, alongside cramping that spread across his entire frame as the contest wore on. By the closing stages, his back had given way entirely, joined by shoulder pain that made it impossible for him to close out the match on his terms.

When asked whether a resolution was in sight, the tennis legend admitted uncertainty about his path forward, saying only that he continues to search for answers while acknowledging the physical struggles may not have a straightforward fix.