US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic crashes out as Alexai Popyrin pulls off third round upset

US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic crashes out as Alexai Popyrin pulls off third round upset

New Delhi: Alexei Popyrin defeated Paris Olympics gold medallist Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Saturday, August 31. This is Djokovic’s earliest Grand Slam exit since the Australian Open 2017.  It’s also the second time that the Serbian will finish a calendar year without winning a slam. Additionally, for the first time since 2002, none of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer will secure a Grand Slam title in a year.

The Australian got off to a brilliant start and won the first two sets comfortably by 6-4, 6-4. But the defending champion showed his class and made a great comeback in the third set and won it 6-2.

Djokovic has managed to find his way back into the match after being two sets down and winning it eight times in his career. But Popyrin took a 3-2 lead in the fourth set, securing a break of serve with the powerful forehand. He surged ahead with a double break and won the set 6-4.

The Serbian came into the US Open having not played a single match after winning the gold medal at Roland Garros in the Paris Olympics. This was Popyrin’s first-ever win over against a top-five-ranked player, and he will face USA’s Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round.

Alexei Popyrin just claimed the biggest win of his career! pic.twitter.com/iYcCxnWmfX

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2024

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 Paris Olympics gold medallist Novak Djokovic has been eliminated from the US Open 2024 in the third round.  Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today