In a shocking turn of events at the US Open 2024, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, was eliminated in the third round by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The defeat marks the first time in 18 years that Djokovic has failed to reach the fourth round of the US Open, signaling a rare lapse in his otherwise extraordinary career.
Djokovic’s Struggle and Popyrin’s Breakthrough
Djokovic, who was chasing his 25th Grand Slam title, struggled to find his rhythm against the 28th-seeded Popyrin. The Australian dominated the match from the outset, taking the first two sets 6-4, 6-4. Djokovic showed signs of his old form by winning the third set 6-2, but Popyrin quickly regained control, closing out the match 6-4 in the fourth set. The entire contest lasted three hours and 19 minutes, with Djokovic unable to tap into his usual reservoir of resilience.
This loss is particularly significant as it means Djokovic will end the calendar year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. His defeat, coupled with Carlos Alcaraz’s earlier exit, has thrown the men’s singles draw wide open, with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner now emerging as a strong contender for his first Grand Slam title.
A Historic Upset
The match was one of the biggest upsets in recent US Open history, with Popyrin achieving the biggest win of his career. This victory marks Popyrin’s first time advancing to the fourth round of a Grand Slam, a milestone that will undoubtedly boost his confidence moving forward.
For Djokovic, this defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow. Known for his ability to stage comebacks from two sets down, as he did in last year’s tournament against Laslo Djere, Djokovic was unable to replicate that magic on this occasion. His failure to advance marks the first time since 2006 that he hasn’t reached at least the fourth round in New York.
Implications for the Tournament
With both Djokovic and Alcaraz out of the tournament, the path to the US Open title is now less clear. Jannik Sinner, who has performed exceptionally well in the tournament so far, is poised to capitalize on this opportunity. The Italian has a chance to claim his first Grand Slam title and silence critics who have questioned his ability to win on the big stage.
The US Open 2024 continues to deliver surprises, and with the tournament now missing two of its biggest stars, the competition is wide open. Tennis fans will be watching closely to see who emerges as the new champion in this unpredictable Grand Slam.
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