Novak Djokovic to face Mariano Navone in US Open first round
The opening night session of the US Open features Novak Djokovic taking on Argentina's Mariano Navone, as the Serbian continues his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title.
According to Flashscore, four-time champion Novak Djokovic headlines the opening night session of the US Open with a first-round match against Argentina's Mariano Navone on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two players.
Chasing a 25th title
The 39-year-old Serbian won his most recent Grand Slam trophy at the US Open in 2023, taking his career total to 24. Since then he has reached two more Grand Slam finals — including this year's Australian Open, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz — and six semi-finals. A 25th title, which would move him past the record he currently shares with Margaret Court, has continued to elude him.
Djokovic's physical condition is likely to draw attention after he struggled with heat at the Cincinnati tournament, where he lost to Thiago Tirante in his first match since a semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon. Cooler evening temperatures at the US Open's night session could work in his favour.
The opponent
World number 48 Navone's best Grand Slam result to date is a fourth-round appearance at last year's French Open, meaning Djokovic could face a relatively manageable opening test.
The tournament picture is also shaped by the absence of world number one Jannik Sinner, sidelined by a knee injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returns after four months out with injury — circumstances that could present Djokovic with an opportunity.
Other opening-day matches
Also in action on opening day are third-ranked American Jessica Pegula, chasing her first Grand Slam title, who plays Elena-Gabriela Ruse, and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, making her 26th main-draw appearance at the US Open on a wildcard, who faces Sofia Kenin.
