Novak Djokovic’s surprising third-round loss at the US Open left the tennis world in shock, with the Serbian superstar himself admitting that he played some of the worst tennis of his career. Djokovic pointed to his sloppy serving, particularly his 14 double faults in the match, as the main reason for his downfall. The 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 defeat to 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin of Australia marked Djokovic’s earliest exit at a major since the 2017 Australian Open.
Djokovic’s defeat at the US Open dashed his hopes of becoming the first player in tennis history with 25 Grand Slam singles titles. After undergoing knee surgery earlier in the year, he finished a season without a major championship for the first time since 2017. Additionally, 2024 became the first season since 2002 where none of the men’s tennis Big Three – Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – claimed a Grand Slam trophy.
On the other hand, Alexei Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic represented a significant breakthrough for the 25-year-old Australian. Previously winless against the Serbian star, Popyrin’s strong serving and aggressive play helped him secure the biggest win of his career. He had been on an impressive run, coming off a title win at a hard-court tournament in Montreal and showing his prowess against Djokovic with powerful forehands and effective net play.
The match itself was a stark contrast in performances, with Popyrin dominating at the net and Djokovic struggling to find his rhythm. Popyrin’s aggressive playstyle paid off, with him winning crucial points on serve-and-volley approaches and passing shots. Djokovic, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on his opportunities and was broken five times in the match, ultimately leading to his defeat.
With Djokovic’s unexpected early exit, the tournament field has opened up, providing opportunities for other players to make their mark. Popyrin will now face Frances Tiafoe in the next round, with the chance to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Djokovic, on the other hand, will have to regroup and reflect on his disappointing performance, as he looks to bounce back and regain his form in future competitions.
Novak Djokovic’s defeat at the US Open was a shocking turn of events that highlighted the unpredictability of tennis and the fierce competition at the highest level. While Djokovic struggled with his game and fell short in his quest for another major title, Popyrin’s breakthrough win showcased his potential and set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. As the tennis world continues to evolve, it’s clear that no player is immune to upsets and that resilience and determination are key in overcoming challenges on the court.
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