Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Novak Djokovic’s Shock US Open Exit Sends Searches Soaring
Novak Djokovic lost his first match at the 2026 US Open.
Mariano Navone of Argentina won the five-set match.
The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
Djokovic became sick and had problems with his back, shoulder and muscles.
He said he had been dealing with a serious issue for much of the season.
The loss stopped him from trying to win his 25th Grand Slam title.
It was his first first-round loss at a major tournament since 2006.
Many people in India searched for his name after the surprising result.
Djokovic also said he was unsure how long he could keep playing if his physical problems continued.
Novak Djokovic’s first-round US Open defeat drove his name up more than 1,000% on Google Trends in India.
Argentina’s Mariano Navone defeated Djokovic 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in four hours and 36 minutes.
Djokovic vomited during the match and struggled with back and shoulder problems, cramping and pain.
The loss ended Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
It was Djokovic’s first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
- Who
- Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone; Navone defeated Djokovic.
- What
- Djokovic suffered a five-set first-round defeat at the 2026 US Open and ended his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title.
- When
- The Google Trends surge was recorded over the 24 hours following the match; the available snapshot said the trend began about nine hours earlier.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Djokovic’s physical problems, including vomiting, back and shoulder issues, cramping and pain, affected his performance, while Navone won the match.
- Match result
- Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
- Match duration
- Four hours and 36 minutes.
- Google Trends
- Searches for “Novak Djokovic” in India rose more than 1,000% and crossed 50,000+ volume in the available snapshot.
- Djokovic’s record
- The defeat was his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
- Grand Slam record
- Djokovic remains a 24-time Grand Slam singles champion.
- Tournament appearance
- The 2026 US Open was reportedly Djokovic’s 84th Grand Slam appearance.
- Navone’s ranking
- Navone was identified as the world No. 49 and had not previously beaten Djokovic.