Novak Djokovic Stunned At US Open, Following Carlos Alcaraz’s Upset

Defending U.S. Open champion Novak Djokovic was stunned in the third round on Friday night, losing 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to Australia’s 28th seed Alexei Popyrin. The loss ends Djokovic’s quest to secure a historic 25th Grand Slam singles title and marks his earliest exit from the tournament since 2006.

Djokovic, the No. 2 seed, struggled throughout the match, committing 14 double faults and appearing physically sluggish, possibly due to residual fatigue after winning his first Olympic gold medal earlier in August.

The defeat also means that 2024 will be the first year since 2002 in which none of the Big Three—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—claimed a Grand Slam title.

Popyrin, who had never previously reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal and was winless in three prior meetings against Djokovic, played the match of his life. He dominated at the net, winning 25 of 36 points, and broke Djokovic five times, including a crucial break in the fourth set to go up 3-2.

The 25-year-old Australian also unleashed a barrage of powerful forehands, accounting for 22 of his 50 winners.

Djokovic’s performance was notably below his usual high standards, especially in key moments. After Popyrin broke for a 5-2 lead in the fourth set, Djokovic managed to break back but couldn’t sustain the momentum. Popyrin ultimately served out the match at love, securing a major breakthrough in his career.

Next, Popyrin will face No. 20 seed Frances Tiafoe, who advanced after a five-set battle against fellow American Ben Shelton.

This defeat marks a disappointing end to Djokovic’s season, as it is the first year since 2017 in which he failed to win a Grand Slam title. The loss also underscores the shifting landscape of men’s tennis as the Big Three era begins to wane.