In a shocking turn of events at the 2024 US Open, Novak Djokovic, the defending champion and one of the most decorated players in tennis history, was upset by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the third round. This unexpected loss marks Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament since 2017. The match, which ended with a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory for Popyrin, has sent ripples through the tennis world, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief.
Table of Contents
Popyrin’s Triumph Over Djokovic
Alexei Popyrin, the 28th seed, delivered a career-defining performance against Novak Djokovic at the US Open, securing his place in the tournament’s fourth round for the first time. Popyrin’s win is even more remarkable considering his prior record against Djokovic; before this match, he was 0-3 against the Serbian legend. The victory also marks Popyrin’s first win in a third-round match at a major tournament after six previous attempts.
Casey Neal’s Venmo Mom Movement: A New Approach to Parenting and School Involvement
Popyrin’s game was sharp and aggressive from the start. He was particularly dominant at the net, going 10-for-10 on serve-and-volley plays and winning 25 out of 36 points when approaching the net. His powerful forehand, responsible for 22 of his 50 winners, consistently troubled Djokovic throughout the match. Popyrin’s serving was also on point, as he managed to break Djokovic five times, including a crucial break in the fourth set that ultimately secured his victory.
Djokovic’s Struggles on the Court
Novak Djokovic’s performance in this match was far from his best. The 37-year-old, who was aiming to secure his 25th Grand Slam singles title, struggled significantly with his serve, committing 14 double faults, which brought his tournament total to 32. This uncharacteristic sloppiness in his serving game was a critical factor in his defeat.
Djokovic himself acknowledged his poor performance, stating, “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly. Serving — by far — the worst ever.” His frustration was evident as he admitted that he wasn’t able to find his game despite feeling physically fine and being motivated to compete at the US Open.
This loss is Djokovic’s earliest exit at the US Open since 2006, and it equals his worst showing at the tournament. The last time he was eliminated this early at Flushing Meadows was in 2005 and 2006, with the 2006 loss coming at the hands of Lleyton Hewitt, who interestingly was in Popyrin’s guest box during this match.
The Impact of Djokovic’s Loss
Djokovic’s defeat at the hands of Popyrin has wider implications for the 2024 US Open and the broader tennis landscape. This is the first season since 2002 that none of the Big Three of men’s tennis—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—has won a Grand Slam title. For Djokovic, this loss also marks the end of a streak; it’s the first time since 2017 that he hasn’t claimed at least one major championship in a calendar year.
Djokovic’s early exit, coupled with Carlos Alcaraz’s surprising loss the night before, has left the men’s draw wide open, offering opportunities for other players to make a deep run in the tournament. Popyrin, now brimming with confidence, will face No. 20 seed Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, where he will be aiming to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Popyrin’s Form Leading Up to the US Open
Alexei Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic wasn’t entirely out of the blue. The Australian has been in fine form recently, having won the biggest title of his career at a hard-court tournament in Montreal just three weeks ago. During that tournament, Popyrin secured five wins against top-20 opponents, signaling that he was peaking at the right time for the US Open.
Popyrin’s strong performance at the US Open is a continuation of this momentum. His powerful serve and aggressive style of play have proven to be effective on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, and his win over Djokovic has established him as a serious contender in the tournament.
Looking Ahead: Popyrin vs. Tiafoe
As Popyrin prepares to face Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if he can continue his impressive run. Tiafoe, who advanced after a five-set battle against Ben Shelton, will present a formidable challenge. However, if Popyrin can maintain the level of play he showed against Djokovic, he stands a strong chance of reaching his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Conclusion
Novak Djokovic’s surprising exit from the 2024 US Open at the hands of Alexei Popyrin marks a significant moment in the tournament and the broader tennis landscape. For Djokovic, it’s a disappointing end to a season that promised so much, while for Popyrin, it’s a breakthrough moment that could define his career. As the US Open progresses, the tennis world will be eager to see how far Popyrin can go and whether he can capitalize on this remarkable victory.