The US Open 2024 has had a couple of shockers. This time around, defending champion Novak Djokovic was ousted in the third round by Australia's Alexei Popyrin, who secured a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory. The unexpected defeat came just a day after Carlos Alcaraz's exit, leaving fans reeling from the back-to-back departures of two top seeds.
Djokovic, who has always been his own toughest critic, didn't hold back when reflecting on his performance. "I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly," he admitted. The veteran was mostly frustrated about his serving, which let him down significantly throughout the match.
With 14 double-faults, Djokovic's service game was far from its usual sharpness, leading to the end of his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title.
How It Played Out on Arthur Ashe
From the start, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm. The 37-year-old, fresh off a knee surgery back in June, seemed fit physically, but not exactly mentally. His performance on the court lacked the intensity and precision that have defined his career.
Popyrin, though, was in peak form. The 28th seed had never defeated Djokovic in their previous three encounters, nor had he advanced past the third round in a major tournament before. But this time around? The Australian was unstoppable, keeping Djokovic on the back foot using his powerful serve and aggressive net play.
Popyrin's game plan was executed flawlessly. He dominated at the net, winning 25 out of 36 points, and his forehand was lethal, delivering 22 of his 50 winners. He was able to break Djokovic's serve five times, including a crucial break in the fourth set that seemed to seal the match.
Djokovic, ever-resilient, did try to mount a comeback. He would go on to take the third set, pushing Popyrin to his limits in the fourth. However, Popyrin held on, ultimately closing out the match as Djokovic's final forehand sailed long.
A New Era Begins?
This loss not only marks a significant moment for Djokovic but also signals a potential shift in men's tennis. With Djokovic's exit and Alcaraz's earlier departure, the US Open 2024 men's draw is now wide open. It’s the first time since 2002 that neither Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, nor Roger Federer will finish a season with a Grand Slam title.
This year also marks the first time since 2017 that Djokovic has failed to win a major. Even the greatest players can’t outplay the impact of age and physical toll, it appears.
For Alexei Popyrin, this victory is a career-defining moment. After years of struggling in the early rounds of Grand Slams, the Australian has finally done it. Fresh off his biggest title win in Montreal, Popyrin’s confidence was high. Even Djokovic acknowledged his potential after conceding: "If he serves well, plays well, he can beat anybody."
As Popyrin advances to face Frances Tiafoe in the next round, a new era might just be upon the world of tennis. With the Big Three no longer dominating the sport, the next generation of players have the opportunities to make their mark now. Djokovic's loss, as shocking as it was, may be the catalyst for this new chapter in the sport’s history.