Novak Djokovic failed to add a single Grand Slam title this year as the defending champion crashed out of the US Open in the third round on Friday. The world No. 2 had won three Slams last year.
Alexei Popyrin, an Australian 28 seed, stunned the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic, the second seed. The 24-year-old Popyrin secured a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory, reaching the round of 16 at a major tournament for the first time in his career.
Djokovic, who had recently won Olympic gold, seemed to be struggling with fatigue against a determined and energetic Popyrin. The Australian capitalized on key moments, securing his first win over a top-ranked player and causing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Popyrin took control early in the match, breaking Djokovic's serve in the first set to take a 5-4 lead. He then held his serve to win the set, demonstrating his determination against the world-renowned champion.
The Australian maintained his momentum in the second set, breaking Djokovic's serve again to take a 3-2 lead. Popyrin's aggressive style, featuring a sharp serve and volley, helped him secure the second set and put Djokovic under pressure.
The Serbian champion fought back in the third set, breaking Popyrin's serve with a powerful forehand winner to take the set 6-2 and revive his hopes of a comeback.
However, Popyrin refused to back down. In the fourth set, he broke Djokovic's serve once more with a stunning forehand winner, eliciting a roar from the crowd and taking a crucial 3-2 lead. Popyrin held his nerve to close out the match, as Djokovic's forehand sailed long on match point, confirming the upset.
This loss is a significant blow for Djokovic, who was striving to win his 25th Grand Slam title. For Popyrin, the victory marks a career-defining moment, highlighting his potential and propelling him into the round of 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time.
