Defending champion Novak Djokovic exited the US Open in a surprising third-round defeat to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin on August 30, 2024. Popyrin, the 28th seed, secured a memorable 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory over the Serbian star at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, marking Djokovic’s earliest exit at the tournament in 18 years.
Popyrin celebrated the win with his arms aloft, having pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. This defeat means Djokovic will end the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017, extending his search for a record 25th major title. “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played,” Djokovic admitted post-match. The 37-year-old uncharacteristically struggled with his serve, committing a career-high 14 double faults in a Grand Slam match and 49 unforced errors.
Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic expressed disappointment with his form throughout the tournament. “Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, the third round is a success,” he said. He further noted his fatigue, attributing it partly to his recent effort in winning the Olympic gold medal earlier this month, which he described as his “biggest sporting achievement.”
“I tried my best, I didn’t have any physical issues. I just felt out of gas, and you could see that. From the first match, I just didn’t find myself on this court,” Djokovic added. “Life moves on. I’ll try to recalibrate and look forward to what’s next.”
Djokovic’s defeat comes shortly after the shock exit of French Open and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz, who was eliminated by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. This marks a notable tournament for unexpected results, with two of the sport’s biggest names bowing out earlier than anticipated.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Popyrin will now make his first appearance in the fourth round of a Grand Slam, where he will face American Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe advanced after a hard-fought five-set victory over compatriot Ben Shelton. Popyrin expressed his excitement and determination after defeating Djokovic, crediting his hard work and persistence for this milestone achievement in his career.
Djokovic’s shock defeat was marked by unusual errors and inconsistency, elements not typically associated with the 24-time Grand Slam winner. Throughout the match, the crowd watched in disbelief as Djokovic’s usually dominant serve and baseline game fell short against the confident and aggressive play of Popyrin. The Australian managed to maintain composure and took advantage of Djokovic’s unforced errors, especially in crucial moments.
Popyrin’s powerful serves and fearless groundstrokes were on full display. The young Australian broke Djokovic’s serve multiple times across the first two sets, establishing an early lead that put the Serbian under pressure. Although Djokovic rallied in the third set to take it 6-2, his resurgence was short-lived. In the fourth set, Popyrin regained his focus, playing aggressive tennis and breaking Djokovic’s serve once more to seal a historic win.
For Djokovic, this year marks a significant deviation from his usual standards of excellence. After winning the Australian Open earlier this season, expectations were high for him to add another major title to his tally. However, his defeat to Popyrin and earlier losses in key tournaments have left questions about his form and future prospects, especially as he continues to pursue the elusive 25th Grand Slam title.
Popyrin’s achievement against Djokovic is seen as a breakthrough moment in his career. The Australian, who has long been regarded as a promising talent, demonstrated not only his physical capabilities but also mental toughness in beating one of the greatest players of all time. With his victory, Popyrin becomes the first Australian man to defeat Djokovic at a Grand Slam since Lleyton Hewitt in 2006.
Reflecting on his victory, Popyrin remarked, “It’s an incredible feeling to beat someone like Novak. I’ve worked hard for this, and it shows that I can compete at the highest level. I look forward to continuing this journey and pushing myself further.”
His next challenge will be against Frances Tiafoe, a player known for his athleticism and tenacity. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both players looking to make their mark in the tournament. Tiafoe’s victory over Shelton in a grueling five-set match showcased his resilience and determination, setting up an intriguing battle with Popyrin in the fourth round.
As the US Open progresses, Djokovic’s early exit remains a significant talking point. His defeat opens up the draw, offering other competitors a chance to advance in the absence of one of the sport’s most dominant figures. While Djokovic focuses on regrouping and preparing for future challenges, the spotlight shifts to rising stars like Popyrin, who are eager to seize their moments on the big stage.
