Novak Djokovic, one of the most successful tennis players in history, was unexpectedly eliminated in the first round of the US Open, losing to Argentina's Franco Navone in a five-set match that ended 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. This is the first time since 2006 that Djokovic has failed to advance past the first round of a Grand Slam tournament, ending a remarkable 78-match winning streak in first-round Grand Slam matches. It also concludes his perfect 37-0 record in the first two rounds at the US Open, a feat that had stood for many years. Djokovic, who is 39 years old, has not won a Grand Slam title since the 2021 US Open. His recent loss has raised concerns about his future in professional tennis, especially as he continues to compete at an advanced age. Despite this, he had shown strong form in recent tournaments, including dramatic five-set victories over top players such as Felix Auger-Aliassime at Wimbledon and Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. However, Djokovic recently disclosed that he is dealing with an ongoing health issue that affects him in hot and humid conditions. During his lengthy match against Navone, he experienced vomiting and cramping, which likely impacted his performance. After the match, Djokovic expressed his disappointment, saying he "despised every moment I spent on the court for that" and described the experience as "not enjoyable." He acknowledged the support from the crowd but expressed regret over his performance. Djokovic's loss also signals the end of the so-called "Big Three" era in men's tennis, as both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have retired from the sport. Djokovic, who will turn 40 in May 2025, is still competing but now faces questions about his ability to continue at the highest level. To manage his schedule, he has reduced the number of tournaments he plays, focusing on Grand Slams, with plans to compete in seven tournaments in 2026. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash commented on Djokovic's struggles, noting that "You can't substitute matchplay" and that the conditions during the match were particularly challenging for him. Djokovic has expressed a desire to continue playing until the 2028 Olympics, but his recent loss has cast doubt on whether he can maintain his top-level performance in the coming years.