Novak Djokovic suffers earliest US Open exit since 2006 in loss to Alexei Popyrin

Aug. 31, 2024, 3:54 a.m.

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Novak Djokovic made his earliest exit from the US Open in 18 years when he was beaten in four sets by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the third round on Friday.

Playing on the Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time in his career, Popyrin stunned Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in three hours and 19 minutes, adding another upset to the Flushing Meadows tournament.

Chasing a record-extending 25th major title and 100th career title, the 37-year-old Djokovic closes the year without a major title to his name. The last time Djokovic didn’t win a single Grand Slam in a year was 2017 when a persistent elbow injury cut his season short.

Advertisement It is also the first season since 2002 when a member of the Big Three (Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal) didn’t win a major.

In contrast to Popyrin’s 50 winners, Djokovic produced his own down-fall with a career-high 14 double faults in a Grand Slam match, including four to hand Popyrin a 5-2 lead in the fourth set.

Although Popyrin faced a break point while trying to seal the victory, he had built a substantial enough lead to secure the match two games later.

Adding to the significance of Popyrin's triumph was the presence of Lleyton Hewitt, the last Australian to conquer Djokovic in a Grand Slam tournament.

“Third time lucky [this year] I guess,” Popyrin remarked. “To be honest, we had some tough battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had my opportunities in those matches, but couldn't capitalize. This match was a bit different. I was able to seize my chances and play some solid tennis.”

“It's incredible because I've been in the third round about 15 times in my career, but I haven't been able to advance to the fourth round,” Popyrin said. “To achieve it against the greatest player of all time and reach the fourth round is amazing. It's a fantastic feeling, and the hard work has paid off.”

This unexpected outcome follows closely on the heels of Carlos Alcaraz's elimination from New York by Botic van de Zandschulp.

Djokovic entered the match with a 3-0 head-to-head record against Popyrin, having won their previous encounters in four sets, including victories at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.

However, Popyrin was buoyed by his recent triumph at the Montreal Masters this month, his most significant victory to date.

Popyrin will now face American hopeful Frances Tiafoe in his inaugural fourth-round appearance at the US Open. Tiafoe secured his place in the next round by defeating fellow American and last year's semi-finalist Ben Shelton in a grueling five-set match on Arthur Ashe Stadium earlier in the day, with the final score being 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3.