In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 US Open, 28th-seeded Australian Alexei Popyrin defeated the defending champion and world No. 2 Novak Djokovic in the third round. Popyrin’s 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory sent shockwaves through Flushing Meadows, marking one of the most significant upsets in recent tennis history.
Djokovic, who was aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, struggled throughout the match, particularly with his serve. The Serbian star double-faulted 14 times, bringing his tournament total to 32, and appeared physically and emotionally drained. His performance was uncharacteristic, especially considering his recent triumph at the Paris Olympics, where he secured his first Olympic gold medal by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
“It’s one of the worst matches I’ve ever played,” Djokovic admitted post-match. “I wasn’t playing anywhere near my best. My game just fell apart, and I have to accept that tournaments like this happen.”
This defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit at the US Open since 2006, and 2024 will be the first year since 2017 that he has not won a major title. Additionally, it is the first season since 2002 that none of the “Big Three” of men’s tennis—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—claimed a Grand Slam trophy.
Popyrin
Popyrin, who had been 0-3 against Djokovic before this match and had never advanced past the third round in a major, delivered a career-defining performance. He was particularly effective at the net, winning 25 out of 36 points when he pushed forward, and his powerful forehand accounted for 22 of his 50 total winners.
“I’m just thrilled. I knew Djokovic wasn’t playing his best, and I had to take my chance,” Popyrin said. “I didn’t want to let him come back from two sets down.”
With this victory, Popyrin advances to the fourth round, where he will face No. 20 Frances Tiafoe, who also endured a tough five-set match against fellow American Ben Shelton.
Popyrin’s win, coming just one night after top seed Carlos Alcaraz was also eliminated, leaves the US Open men’s draw wide open. The only former champion remaining is Daniil Medvedev, who won his first and only Grand Slam title at this tournament in 2021.
