Defending champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking defeat at the U.S. Open, losing to 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin in the third round. Djokovic was aiming to secure his 25th Grand Slam singles title, but was unable to do so after falling to Popyrin in a 4-set match. This marked the first year since 2017 that Djokovic did not win a major championship, and the first time since 2010 that none of the Big Three, including Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, claimed a Grand Slam trophy.
Djokovic’s early exit at the U.S. Open equaled his worst performance at the tournament, with his only other third-round losses occurring in 2005 and 2006. The loss to Popyrin was unexpected, as Djokovic has a strong track record at Ashe Stadium, having reached the final 10 times and winning the title four times. Despite his recent victory at the Olympics, where he claimed Serbia’s first gold medal in tennis, Djokovic appeared physically fatigued and emotionally subdued during the match against Popyrin.
Alexei Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic was a significant milestone for the 25-year-old Australian player. Popyrin had previously struggled against Djokovic, losing all three of their previous encounters, as well as in third-round matches at major tournaments. However, Popyrin’s strong serving and aggressive play helped him secure the win, as he was able to break Djokovic five times and dominate at the net. His performance in Montreal, where he defeated multiple top-ranked opponents, showcased his potential for success at the U.S. Open.
Popyrin’s ability to consistently win points at the net and generate winners with his powerful forehand proved to be key factors in his victory over Djokovic. Despite a brief stumble when serving for the match, Popyrin ultimately closed out the game with confidence and precision, sealing his win over the world No. 2 player. The victory signaled a breakthrough for Popyrin, who demonstrated his skill and determination on the court against a formidable opponent.
Djokovic’s unexpected loss at the U.S. Open not only ended his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title but also resulted in a significant shift in the tournament’s dynamics. With the absence of the Big Three in the winner’s circle, the remainder of the U.S. Open promised to be unpredictable and exciting, as new contenders emerged and challenged the established hierarchy of men’s tennis. Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic highlighted the depth of talent in the sport and set the stage for an intriguing conclusion to the tournament.
