Highlights: US Open 2024: Djokovic Falls to Popyrin, Ends Year Without a Grand Slam

Former world number one Novak Djokovic faced a shocking defeat at the 2024 US Open, losing to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the men’s singles on Friday, August 30, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. With this loss, Djokovic, who recently secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, ends the calendar year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017. This also marks the first time in 18 years that Djokovic has failed to reach the fourth round of the US Open. Popyrin defeated Djokovic in four sets, with scores of 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6.

Djokovic seemed off his game from the start, lacking the energy to dominate and committing numerous unforced errors, which put him at a disadvantage early on. Although Djokovic is known for his ability to stage comebacks, having done so eight times from two sets down in Grand Slams, he was unable to turn things around against Popyrin this time.

Popyrin approached the match with confidence and was ready for the challenge. Djokovic’s uncharacteristically poor form played into Popyrin’s hands, allowing him to comfortably win the first two sets, 6-4, 6-4. While Djokovic managed to claim the third set, Popyrin remained determined to avoid a fifth set. He raised his level, energizing the crowd in the fourth set, securing an early double break, and going toe-to-toe with Djokovic from the baseline. Popyrin’s powerful groundstrokes and forehand winners sealed Djokovic’s exit from the tournament.

Djokovic’s serve was a significant weakness during the match, with a win percentage of just 54%, and he committed 49 unforced errors (only one fewer than Popyrin, but at crucial moments in the match).

‘Some of my worst tennis ever’
After the match, Djokovic acknowledged his poor performance, saying, “Considering how I played from the beginning of the tournament, reaching the third round is a success. I’ve played some of my worst tennis ever.”

Djokovic also admitted that the effort and impact of winning Olympic gold in Paris earlier this month had taken a toll on his US Open campaign.

The 37-year-old explained, “It obviously had an effect. I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I came to New York not feeling mentally and physically fresh. But because it’s the US Open, I gave it a shot and tried my best. I didn’t have any physical issues, I just felt out of gas.”

With this loss, Djokovic remains tied with Margaret Court at 24 Grand Slam titles, the most in history. This defeat follows another major upset at this year’s US Open, with Carlos Alcaraz being eliminated by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets a day earlier. It marks the first time since 1973 that the second and third seeds have both exited the men’s singles draw before the fourth round at the US Open.