Djokovic falls outside ATP top 10 after US Open

NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic dropped out of the ATP top 10 for the first time since 2018 after an opening-round loss at the US Open sent the 24-time Grand Slam champion from world No. 5 to No. 12.

The Serbian had remained inside the top 10 continuously since July 2018 before falling seven places in the rankings released Sept. 14.

His slide followed a five-set loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, who entered the tournament ranked No. 49.

Navone stunned Djokovic, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, in the first round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The defeat marked Djokovic’s first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.

Djokovic’s fall to No. 12 also left Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic — the trio widely known as the “Big Three” — all outside the ATP top 10 for the first time in nearly 24 years.

Federer retired from professional tennis in 2022, while Nadal ended his playing career in 2024.

Djokovic’s previous stretch outside the top 10 came during 2017 and 2018, when an elbow injury disrupted his season before he returned to the upper tier of the rankings.

Against Navone, Djokovic recovered from losing the opening set by taking the next two and appeared to have regained control of the match.

The momentum shifted in the fourth set as Djokovic struggled physically and Navone took advantage to force a deciding fifth set.

Djokovic experienced visible physical discomfort during the match, while Navone maintained his aggression and consistency late in the contest.

Navone carried that momentum through the final two sets to complete one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The victory was Navone’s first match against Djokovic and came on one of tennis’ biggest stages at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

For Djokovic, the ranking drop represents another major shift after more than eight consecutive years among the world’s top 10 players.

At world No. 12, he remains within reach of a return to the top 10, with his future ranking dependent on upcoming results and the performances of players ahead of him.