Novak Djokovic stunned by Alexei Popyrin in third round of US Open
Novak Djokovic lost to 28th seed Alexei Popyrin in the US Open third round, marking his first failure to reach the fourth round in 16 years. The current champion lost in four sets with scores 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, August 30.
Djokovic will end the year without winning a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.
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Djokovic, in his first hard-court tournament since March, appeared low on energy as he let Popyrin take control of the first two sets. Unforced mistakes piled up as the Serbian player, who was aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title to break a record, suffered the consequences of waiting too long. The winner of the Paris Olympics was unable to tap into his impressive reserve of determination as he faltered in the fourth set.
Alcaraz was earlier upset in the second round
The surprising upset occurred one day after 2022 winner and third-seeded player Carlos Alcaraz was eliminated in the second round. Since 1973, it is the first instance where the second and third seeds were eliminated before the fourth round in men’s singles at the US Open.
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Novak Djokovic has mounted a comeback from being two sets down on 8 occasions in Grand Slams, however, this time it did not work out for the Serbian player as he was defeated 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6 after a three-hour and 19-minute match on Friday.
Popyrin will face American Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round. Tiafoe, 20th seed, knocked out his compatriot Ben Shelton in a Friday matinee blockbuster.
