Defending champion Novak Djokovic was upset at the U.S. Open by Alexei Popyrin in the third round, ending his hopes of winning his 25th Grand Slam singles title. This marks the first year since 2017 that Djokovic has not won a major championship. In addition, this is the first season since 2002 where none of the Big Three of men’s tennis – Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – have won a Grand Slam trophy.
Djokovic double-faulted 14 times in the match and appeared physically sluggish and emotionally flat. Popyrin, who had never reached a Grand Slam quarterfinal before, played well and was successful in breaking Djokovic five times during the match.
This loss comes a day after Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament favorite, was eliminated by Botic van de Zandschulp. Alcaraz mentioned that his energy levels were low during his match. Popyrin’s victory over Djokovic was considered a breakthrough for the 25-year-old Australian player, who had never beaten Djokovic before.
Popyrin will now face Frances Tiafoe in the next round, with a chance to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Djokovic’s early exit from the U.S. Open marks his worst performance at Flushing Meadows, equalling his previous third-round exits in 2005 and 2006.
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