Defending U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic was upset by 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin in the third round, marking Djokovic’s worst performance at Flushing Meadows since 2006. This loss prevented Djokovic from becoming the first player in history to win 25 Grand Slam titles and also ended the chance of any of the Big Three of men’s tennis winning a Grand Slam trophy in 2024. Popyrin, who had never beaten Djokovic before, played an exceptional match with strong serving and powerful forehands. He broke Djokovic five times, ultimately winning in four sets. Djokovic looked physically sluggish and made many uncharacteristic mistakes, including 14 double faults. Despite recent success at the Olympics, Djokovic struggled to maintain his usual high standards during the match.
This victory for Popyrin marks a breakthrough in his career, as he had never advanced past the third round at a major before. He will now face Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals. Djokovic’s defeat comes on the heels of Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament favorite, also being eliminated. Alcaraz noted that his energy levels were lower than expected. The loss by Djokovic and Alcaraz’s earlier exit led to shifts in the betting lines for the tournament. Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic was a significant moment in his career, showcasing his talent and determination on the court.
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