Novak Djokovic, the current defending champion, has followed the exit door along with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open as he was faced with an embarrassing defeat by 25-year-old Alexei Popyrin in the third round.
Popyrin did a shocking 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 to emerge winner and to send Djokovic out of the game, making it his earliest US Open exit in 18 years.
2024 has not been Djokovic’s lucky one, as he is about to end it with no Grand Slam for the first time since 2017, while he also pursues achieving a record 25th major title.
The Serb was also not close to his clinical best, serving a career-high 14 double faults in a Grand Slam match.
“I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played,” the 37-year-old said.
“Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success.”
The defending champion exit comes after that of French Open and Wimbledon winner Alcaraz, who was defeated by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
He said he “spent a lot of energy” winning Olympic gold – his self-proclaimed “biggest sporting achievement” – earlier this month.
“I tried my best, I didn’t have any physical issues. I just felt out of gas, and you could see that. From the first match, I just didn’t find myself on this court.” Djokovic added.
“Life moves on. I’ll try to recalibrate and look forward to what’s next.”
After successfully sending Djokovic out of the U.S. Open, Popyrin will be featuring in his first fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam where he is expected to battle Frances Tiafoe, who moved defeated a fellow American Ben Shelton in a five-set thriller.
