Current:Home > MyAlexei Popyrin knocks out defending champ Novak Djokovic in US Open third round-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Alexei Popyrin knocks out defending champ Novak Djokovic in US Open third round
View Date:2024-12-23 22:39:48
NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic suffered a major upset at the hands of Alexei Popyrin with a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 beating in the third round of the US Open on Friday to end the Serbian's bid for a 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic, who had to dig deep to win the Olympic gold medal in Paris this month, looked sluggish against the energized Australian, who notched the biggest win of his career.
"I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I did arrive to New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically," Djokovic told reporters.
"But because it's US Open, I gave it a shot and I tried my best. I didn't have any physical issues. I just felt out of gas and you could see that with the way I played."
Popyrin, who lost to Djokovic at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, raised his arms in triumph and beamed a wide smile after knocking out the tournament's defending champion to reach the round of 16 of a major for the first time.
"Third time lucky I guess," Popyrin said in an on-court interview.
"No, 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 bit different, I was able to take my chances when I had them and played some good tennis."
Djokovic had five break point chances in the opener but failed to convert any of them, while Popyrin broke serve on his first opportunity for a 5-4 lead en route to grabbing the first set.
Popyrin broke again in the second when Djokovic's volley landed wide for a 3-2 advantage and took control of the match with a perfectly executed serve and volley to capture the second set.
Djokovic showed some life in the third, when the second seed broke serve with a forehand that Popyrin could not handle and took the set to claw his way back into the match.
But the comeback proved short-lived, with Popyrin letting out a mighty roar when he crushed a ferocious forehand winner for a break of serve and 3-2 lead in the fourth. He completed the upset when Djokovic's forehand sailed long on match point.
The veteran Djokovic was uncharacteristically sloppy in the contest, issuing 14 double faults, a record for him in a Grand Slam match, while his 25-year-old opponent smacked 50 winners.
"If you play on a quick surface like this without the serve, without ability to win free points there, very low first-serve percentage, many double faults, then you can't win," Djokovic said.
"It was just an awful match for me."
The loss means Djokovic will end the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.
The upset on Arthur Ashe Stadium came one night after third seed and tournament favorite Carlos Alcaraz, who finished runner up to Djokovic at the Paris Games, was stunned in straight sets by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
Next up for Popyrin is a fourth-round meeting with American Frances Tiafoe.
veryGood! (93)
Related
- Repair Hair Damage In Just 90 Seconds With This Hack from WNBA Star Kamilla Cardoso
- The U.S. plans new protections for old forests facing pressure from climate change
- Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict Finalize Divorce 6 Months After Announcing Breakup
- Snow blankets Los Angeles area in rare heavy storm
- NASCAR Cup Series Championship race 2024: Start time, TV, live stream, odds, lineup
- Students learn lessons on climate change, pollution through raising salmon
- How to stay safe from the smoke that's spreading from the Canadian wildfires
- A daunting recovery begins in the South and Midwest after tornadoes kill at least 32
- Surprise bids revive hope for offshore wind in Gulf of Mexico after feds cancel lease sale
- An oil CEO who will head global climate talks this year calls for lowered emissions
Ranking
- Who will be in the top 12? Our College Football Playoff ranking projection
- Kourtney Kardashian's Birthday Gift From Travis Barker Is Worth Over $160,000
- Arizona's farms are running out of water, forcing farmers to confront climate change
- The Prettiest, Budget-Friendly Prom Dresses Are Hiding at Amazon
- Mark Zuckerberg Records NSFW Song Get Low for Priscilla Chan on Anniversary
- Mother’s Day Gifts For Self-Care To Help Her Pamper, Relax & Chill
- Kate Middleton Gives a Clue on Her Coronation Outfit for King Charles III's Regal Celebration
- Barefoot Dreams Flash Deal: Get a $120 CozyChic Blanket for $30 Before It Sells Out, Again
Recommendation
-
'We suffered great damage': Fierce California wildfire burns homes, businesses
-
Miranda Lambert Talks Pre-Show Rituals, Backstage Must-Haves, and Her Las Vegas Residency
-
Climate change stresses out these chipmunks. Why are their cousins so chill?
-
California is still at risk of flooding. Maybe rivers just need some space
-
Kalen DeBoer, Jalen Milroe save Alabama football season, as LSU's Brian Kelly goes splat
-
Dancing With the Stars' Len Goodman Dead at 78
-
CNN Denies Don Lemon's Claims About His Departure From Network
-
Disney Executive Dave Hollis’ Cause of Death Revealed