NEW YORK/STARNBERG, August 31, 2024
Following Carlos Alcaraz’s loss to Botic van de Zandschulp Thursday, defending champion Novak Djokovic has also been knocked out early at the US Open. The 37-year-old Serbian lost to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the third round 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 Friday evening, marking his earliest exit from the Grand Slam tournament in New York since 2006.
In his second US Open appearance 18 years ago, Djokovic also failed to advance past the third round. Since then, he has won the tournament four times.
Popyrin hit 50 winners and capitalized on five of his 12 break-point chances to secure victory in three hours and 20 minutes.
That moment for Alexei Popyrin 😤 pic.twitter.com/DbAMvn4rGJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2024
“Third time lucky [this year] I guess,” Popyrin said. “Honestly, we had some battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had my chances in those matches, but didn’t take them. This match was a little different. I was able to take my chances when I had them and played some good tennis.”
“It’s unbelievable because I’ve been in the third round about 15 times in my career, but I haven’t been able to get past to the fourth round,” the 25-year-old Sydney native said. “To be able to do it against the greatest of all time to get into the fourth round is unbelievable. It’s a great feeling and the hard work has paid off.”
Just one month after winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Djokovic missed the chance to lift his 25th career trophy at a Grand Slam tournament.
“Obviously it has an effect. I spent a lot of energy winning the gold and I did arrive in New York not feeling fresh,” Djokovic said. “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.
“Life moves on. I’ll try to recalibrate and look forward to what’s next.”
Popyrin will now take on home favorite and No. 20 seed Frances Tiafoe in his first-ever fourth-round appearance at the US Open. This marks the first time the two will meet. Earlier Friday, Tiafoe fought past his compatriot and last year’s semi-finalist, No. 13 seed Ben Shelton, in a four-hour, three-minute marathon match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3.
