Novak Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title came to a startling halt on Friday, as he was dramatically ousted in the third round of the US Open by Alexei Popyrin. The 28th-ranked Australian player shocked the tennis world with a resilient and composed performance, defeating the defending champion 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Popyrin’s triumph not only ended Djokovic’s hopes for another US Open crown but also marked one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, underscoring the unpredictable nature of tennis.
Popyrin’s victory came just a day after another major surprise in the tournament: the third seed, Carlos Alcaraz, suffered a shock defeat at the hands of 74th-ranked Botic van de Zandschulp. These back-to-back upsets have turned the US Open into a hotbed of unexpected outcomes, robbing it of two top contenders and reshaping the competitive landscape. For Djokovic, the loss was particularly stinging. It marked his earliest exit from the US Open in 18 years, a stark contrast to his usual deep runs in major tournaments. Additionally, it was his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2017 Australian Open, a year that had also seen him fail to capture any Grand Slam titles.
Despite the disappointment at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic’s 2024 season hasn’t been without highlights. The Serbian star achieved one of his long-standing goals by winning the Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games earlier in the year. However, the season has been fraught with challenges, including a knee surgery that sidelined him and contributed to an uneven year on the court. These factors seemed to catch up with him at the US Open, where he was unable to find the form that has brought him so much success over the past decade.
Heading into the match, Djokovic had a flawless record against Popyrin, having defeated him in all three of their prior meetings, including at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. This time, however, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm. A staggering 14 double faults and a total of 49 unforced errors undermined his efforts. These uncharacteristic mistakes proved costly, allowing Popyrin to capitalize and gain the upper hand.
“It was just an awful match for me,” Djokovic candidly admitted after the defeat. “I mean, I tried so many things, and sometimes that’s an issue… you move away from the basics that work. You lose the foundation. You lose the movement, the timing, the rhythm, the tempo, everything, whether it’s a serve or any other shot.” His words reflected the visible frustration that had marred his performance, as he seemed unable to find his usual precision and poise.
Popyrin, on the other hand, came into the match full of confidence, buoyed by his recent success at the Montreal Masters, where he claimed the biggest title of his career. His aggressive and fearless play was evident from the start, as he saved five break points in a pivotal sixth game of the first set. By doing so, he not only held serve but also swung the momentum in his favor, securing the first two sets and putting Djokovic on the defensive.
Despite the mounting adversity, Djokovic is known for his resilience and ability to turn matches around, even from seemingly impossible positions. He demonstrated this once again by securing an early break in the third set, giving himself a lifeline. Popyrin, showing signs of nerves, allowed Djokovic to break him twice more, with the Serbian taking full advantage of the Australian’s errors to claim the third set 6-2.
This comeback sparked hope among Djokovic’s fans that he might pull off one of his trademark recoveries. However, Popyrin was not ready to let the match slip away. In the fourth set, he regrouped, saving break points in a tense second game before breaking Djokovic’s serve for a 3-2 lead. This was a critical juncture in the match, and Popyrin showed remarkable composure, maintaining his focus and preventing Djokovic from regaining control.
As the pressure mounted, Djokovic’s serve began to falter once more. He delivered four double faults in a single game, allowing Popyrin to break his serve and establish a 5-2 lead. Although Djokovic managed to win the next two games, Popyrin remained unflappable, serving out the match with a love game that sealed his victory. As the final point was won, Popyrin’s roar of triumph echoed around the stadium, a testament to the significance of his achievement.
“I was waiting for him to kind of step up,” Popyrin reflected after the match. “I didn’t want to be one of those moments where Novak kind of stepped up and came back from two sets to love down. It was kind of extra motivation for me not to do that and to win that fourth set.” His comments highlighted the respect he has for Djokovic’s abilities and his determination not to let a golden opportunity slip away.
With this landmark victory, Popyrin now faces the challenge of maintaining his momentum as he moves deeper into the tournament. His next opponent will be Frances Tiafoe, who also showed tremendous grit in his third-round match. Tiafoe triumphed over fellow American Ben Shelton in a five-set thriller, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-3. This victory was particularly sweet for Tiafoe, as it avenged his quarter-final loss to Shelton in New York the previous year.
Tiafoe’s match against Shelton showcased his exceptional return game, as he faced down 23 aces and generated 21 break points, converting five. His ability to handle Shelton’s powerful serve and turn the match in his favor was a testament to his growth as a player and his readiness to challenge for higher honors. As Popyrin and Tiafoe prepare to face off, tennis fans can look forward to a contest filled with intensity and skill, as both players aim to make their mark at this year’s US Open.
For Novak Djokovic, this early exit from the US Open marks a period of introspection and recalibration. While he remains one of the sport’s all-time greats, this defeat serves as a reminder of the relentless competition and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat. The challenges he has faced this season, including his recovery from knee surgery and the demands of the tour, have tested his resilience.
Djokovic’s ability to bounce back from setbacks is well-documented, and there is little doubt that he will use this experience as motivation to come back stronger. His pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title is far from over, and with his skill, experience, and determination, he remains a formidable presence in the world of tennis. As he looks ahead to the rest of the season and beyond, Djokovic will no doubt be plotting his next move, ready to prove once again why he is considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The 2024 US Open has already delivered a series of memorable moments, with top players falling and new stars rising. The unpredictability of the tournament is what makes it so captivating, as every match offers the potential for surprise and drama. As the competition progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters, unexpected twists, and the emergence of new narratives.
Whether it’s the continuation of Popyrin’s remarkable run, Tiafoe’s quest for glory, or the resilience of established champions like Djokovic, the US Open continues to be a showcase of the best that tennis has to offer. In a sport where anything can happen, the US Open stands as a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that make tennis such a compelling spectacle.
