ISLAMABAD: The US Open 2026 has wasted little time producing unexpected twists, emotional moments and major upsets, turning the final Grand Slam of the year into a tournament full of surprises.
The 2026 US Open began on August 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York. The tournament will run through September 13.
From Novak Djokovic’s stunning first-round defeat and his emotional farewell from the court to Venus Williams’ historic late-night appearance, the return of Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka’s bid for a historic three-peat, the opening days in New York have already produced storylines worthy of a memorable Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title came to a stunning and emotional end at the US Open as the 39-year-old Serbian superstar suffered a dramatic first-round defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears during a five set US Open first-round defeat by Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Father time waits for no one…even for the greatest. But what a reception from the crowd at Flushing Meadows. He has earned it. pic.twitter.com/0vZBhbxtQN
— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) August 31, 2026
Djokovic, a five-time US Open champion, was expected to make a deep run at Flushing Meadows after arriving in New York with another historic milestone in sight. Instead, he was beaten 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by the 25-year-old Navone in a gruelling five-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The defeat sent shockwaves through the final Grand Slam of the year and marked Djokovic’s first-round exit at a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2006 Australian Open.
The Serbian great fought valiantly despite struggling physically throughout the contest. He battled shoulder and back problems and was forced to vomit into a towel bin during the match, visibly affected by the intense physical demands of the encounter.
As Navone moved closer to the biggest victory of his career, Djokovic’s frustration and exhaustion became increasingly evident. The 24-time Grand Slam champion eventually struggled to contain his emotions and was seen in tears on court during the final set.
“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said after the match.
“I don’t want to take too much out of Mariano’s win. Congrats to him, he’s a nice guy and a fighter, but I didn’t enjoy myself.”
Novak Djokovic makes retirement confession after tearful first round US Open exit https://t.co/EjI4cICWpF pic.twitter.com/diNwOMREdu
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 31, 2026
Despite his disappointment, Djokovic showed his trademark sportsmanship by congratulating Navone, managing a brief smile before walking towards the locker room. However, the Serbian was visibly emotional again as he struggled to hold back tears.
Navone, meanwhile, produced the performance of his career against one of the greatest players in tennis history. The Argentine refused to be intimidated by Djokovic’s reputation and recovered impressively after losing the third set to dominate the final two sets.
The result was particularly unexpected because Djokovic had appeared to have a favourable opportunity to advance deep into the tournament. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is absent through injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returned to competitive action after a lengthy injury layoff.
Instead, Navone dramatically rewrote the script.
Other major US Open 2026 developments
Roger Federer inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame
Roger Federer inducted into Hall of Fame, a major celebratory/historical tennis moment, providing a positive contrast to Djokovic’s emotional exit.
Roger Federer’s induction speech brought his journey full circle as he received the ultimate honor in tennis, celebrating a career that transformed the sport and the people who stood beside him every step of the way. ✨ #InductionCelebration #CloserToGreatness pic.twitter.com/mB4tm1giIf
— International Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) August 30, 2026
The Swiss great, who retired in 2022, won 103 ATP titles, 20 Grand Slam trophies and five consecutive US Open championships. His legacy was also celebrated at Flushing Meadows, where the US Open organised a special exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium followed by a surprise drone show featuring highlights of his career.
Venus Williams makes history
At 46, Venus Williams made her record 26th US Open singles appearance. Her first-round clash with Sofia Kenin began at 12:13 a.m., becoming the latest start for a women’s match in US Open history. Kenin eventually prevailed 6-2, 7-6.
Serena Williams returns to flushing meadows
Serena Williams made a high-profile return to the US Open, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. The star combination reached the quarter-finals before losing to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
Alcaraz begins title defence
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returned to New York after a four-month injury layoff and began his campaign to retain the US Open crown, adding another major storyline to the men’s competition following Djokovic’s departure.
Read Also: US Open Unveils Record $108 Million Prize Purse, Tennis History’s Richest Grand Slam
Sabalenka eyes historic three-peat
Women’s defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is seeking to become the first woman in the Open Era to win three consecutive US Open singles titles, putting additional historical significance on her title defence.
Krejcikova suffers early upset
Former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova became one of the notable early casualties in the women’s draw, losing to Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova.
Toby Samuel claims maiden Grand Slam win
Britain’s Toby Samuel registered his first Grand Slam main-draw victory, defeating Czech player Tomas Machac 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 and announcing himself on the biggest stage.
Read Also: Trump Booed at US Open as Alcaraz Defeats Sinner in Delayed Final
Rain interrupts opening-day action
Rain also disrupted play on several outside courts during the opening day, although matches continued on the covered main stadium courts.
Djokovic’s unexpected departure has already transformed the complexion of the US Open. With one of tennis’s greatest champions gone at the first hurdle, the tournament has suddenly become even more unpredictable.
A complete shocker! 🤯#NovakDjokovic bows out of US Open 2026 in the very first round against Argentina’s #MarianoNavone.
💡: For the first time in 20 years, Novak Djokovic exits a Grand Slam in Round 1. 💔
Watch #USOpen 2026 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/mvxjPYNU0R
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 31, 2026
For Navone, meanwhile, the victory represents a career-defining breakthrough, while for Djokovic, an emotional night in New York has provided another reminder that even the greatest champions are not immune to the passage of time and the unforgiving nature of elite sport.
The 2026 US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam tournament, began at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York on August 30 and will conclude on September 13, when the men’s singles final will crown the tournament’s final champion.
