No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin upset world No. 2 Novak Djokovic, 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, within the third spherical of the 2024 US Open. The 25-year-old earned a ticket to his first spherical of 16 in a Grand Slam and a date with American star Frances Tiafoe on Sunday.
Previous to Friday, Popyrin held a 87-106 file and had by no means overwhelmed a top-five opponent in a significant event. It was a surprising end result, particularly contemplating the evening earlier than had a good greater upset with world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz shedding to unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp in straight units.
“It is unbelievable as a result of I have been within the third spherical about 15 instances in my profession, however I have not been in a position to get previous to the fourth spherical,” Popyrin mentioned. “And to have the ability to do it in opposition to the best of all time to get into the fourth spherical, it is unbelievable. It is a terrific feeling and the laborious work has paid off.”
This marked Djokovic’s first loss within the third spherical of the US Open since 2006 in opposition to Lleyton Hewitt — who was at Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness Popyrin’s win.
Djokovic received three out of 4 main titles final season, however this yr will finish with out a single title. The final time one of many Huge 3 — Djokovic, Rodger Federer and Rafael Nadal — didn’t win a Grand Slam in a calendar yr was 2002. Nonetheless, Djokovic has nonetheless been taking part in at a excessive degree and even completed a profession Golden Slam along with his Olympic gold medal on the Paris Video games earlier this summer time.
“Congratulations to him and his workforce,” mentioned Djokovic, who didn’t cite any bodily points. “He undoubtedly performed higher and deserved to win it in the present day. On my finish, truthfully the way in which I felt and the way in which I performed from the start of this event, third spherical is successful. I’ve performed a few of the worst tennis I’ve ever performed, truthfully, serving by far the worst ever.”
Popyrin took management of the match instantly, whereas Djokovic was placing up an uncharacteristically excessive variety of double faults. The veteran — who later mentioned he simply felt “out of fuel” for the reason that begin of the event — did not appear to be his traditional dominant self, however he discovered a greater rhythm within the third set whereas Popyrin began making extra unforced errors.
Djokovic went up 4-2 within the third set and obtained love from the gang at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He went on to win the subsequent two video games and power a fourth set. Even Popyrin’s countryman Nick Kyrgios hadn’t misplaced confidence in Djokovic’s skills but.
Djokovic received the primary sport of the fourth set, however Popyrin wasn’t about to let this slip out of his palms. He tied it at 1-1, and the remainder of the set stayed extremely aggressive.
A double fault by Djokovic gave Popyrin the benefit after they had been tied 2-2. Djokovic continued struggling along with his serve and obtained hit by a time violation. Popyrin screamed when he obtained the 3-2 lead, after which once more when he prolonged his lead with an ace.
Djokovic had the benefit whereas attempting to win the subsequent sport, however he gave it up with yet one more double fault. He obtained the benefit as soon as extra, however gave the purpose away once more. Djokovic registered a complete of 14 double faults on Friday, which was essentially the most ever for him in a significant occasion. His earlier excessive was 12 through the opening spherical of Wimbledon again in 2010.
