Djokovic loses first-round US Open match to Navone; Sinner out, Alcaraz returns

Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth at the 2026 US Open, fell to Argentina's Mariano Navone 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 in the first round on August 31, according to BBC Sport. The loss marked Djokovic's first first-round exit at Flushing Meadows and his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since 2006. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said afterward, "I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. 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." Navone, 25 years old and ranked world No. 49, claimed the victory with the upset. The defeat ended Djokovic's pursuit of a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would have moved him clear of Australia's Margaret Court, per BBC Sport. The tournament shape shifted further with the absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner through injury, as reported by BBC Sport. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is making his comeback from a long-term wrist injury, per the same reporting. Elena Rybakina sits at No. 1 in the live rankings, according to Guardian Sport. On the women's side, Aryna Sabalenka advanced in her opening match. Per Guardian Sport, Sabalenka must win the title to have any hope of retaining the top ranking. Rybakina will become the new No. 1 regardless of all other results if she reaches the semifinals, and should either Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula win the title and Rybakina fail to make the semifinals, they would take top spot. Sabalenka held 97 consecutive weeks as the undisputed best player in the world before this period, per Guardian Sport.