In a dramatic turn of events at the US Open 2024, Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, suffered a stunning defeat in the third round at the hands of 28th seed Alexei Popyrin. This loss, which unfolded on Friday evening at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, marks a significant moment in tennis history as Djokovic failed to reach the fourth round of the tournament for the first time in 18 years, a streak that dates back to 2006. The defeat also signifies a rare occurrence in Djokovic’s illustrious career—finishing a calendar year without a Grand Slam title, something that hasn’t happened since 2017.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for Djokovic, who entered the tournament as a heavy favorite to clinch his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. However, the Serbian superstar seemed off his game from the outset. Popyrin, a rising Australian star, seized the opportunity with both hands, displaying remarkable composure and power on the court. He dominated the first two sets, outmaneuvering Djokovic with his aggressive baseline play and booming serves, taking them 6-4, 6-4.
Djokovic, known for his incredible resilience and ability to stage comebacks from seemingly impossible situations, showed why he is considered a legend of the sport in the third set. With his back against the wall, he summoned all his experience and grit, breaking Popyrin’s serve three times to win the set 6-2. The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, fully aware of Djokovic’s history of miraculous comebacks—he has overturned two-set deficits eight times in his Grand Slam career—was on the edge of their seats, anticipating another Djokovic classic.
The tension was palpable as the match entered the fourth set. Popyrin, sensing the danger of a Djokovic resurgence, elevated his game to another level. He broke Djokovic’s serve twice early in the set, silencing the crowd and putting the pressure squarely back on the defending champion. Djokovic, despite his best efforts, struggled to regain control of the match. His usual precision was lacking, and unforced errors continued to mount. Popyrin, feeding off the energy of the moment, held his nerve and maintained his lead, ultimately sealing the match with a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory after three hours and 19 minutes of intense play.
This victory is undoubtedly the biggest of Popyrin’s career, catapulting him into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time. For Djokovic, the loss is a significant setback, not just in the context of the US Open but also in his pursuit of further solidifying his legacy as the greatest player in the sport’s history.
The shockwaves of Djokovic’s exit reverberated throughout the tournament, especially coming just a day after the elimination of another major contender, Carlos Alcaraz, who was ousted in the second round. With the departure of these two top players, the men’s singles draw has been blown wide open, creating a rare and tantalizing opportunity for other competitors to make a deep run at the title.
One player who now stands in the spotlight is World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The Italian has been in stellar form, playing with a confidence and consistency that has made him a formidable force in New York. Sinner, who has yet to win a Grand Slam, is now considered one of the favorites to claim the title, and a victory here would be a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His journey through the tournament so far has been marked by flawless performances, and with the draw opening up, Sinner has a golden opportunity to establish himself as the next big name in men’s tennis.
As the US Open 2024 progresses, the dramatic exits of Djokovic and Alcaraz have injected an element of unpredictability and excitement into the tournament. The stage is set for new narratives to emerge and for potential new champions to rise. Fans around the world will eagerly watch to see who can seize the moment and etch their name into the annals of tennis history.
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