No. 28 seed Alexei Popyrin upset world No. 2 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round of the 2024 US Open. The 25-year-old secured a ticket to his first round of 16 at a Grand Slam and a date with American star Frances Tiafoe on Sunday.
Before Friday, Popyrin held a record of 87-106 and had never beaten a top-five opponent in a major tournament. This was a shocking result, especially considering there was an even bigger surprise the night before World number 3 Carlos Alcaraz loses to unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sentences.
“It's unbelievable because I've been in the third round about 15 times in my career, but I haven't managed to get past the fourth round,” Popyrin said. “And to do it against the greatest of all time and get to the fourth round is incredible. It’s a great feeling and the hard work was worth it.”
This was Djokovic's first loss in the third round of the US Open since 2006 to Lleyton Hewitt – who was at Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness Popyrin's victory.
Djokovic won three of four major titles last season, but will end this year without a single title. The last time one of the Big 3 – Djokovic, Rodger Federer and Rafael Nadal – didn't win a Grand Slam in a calendar year was 2002. However, Djokovic is still playing at a high level and has even achieved a career Golden Slam with his Olympic one Gold medal at the Paris Games earlier this summer.
“Congratulations to him and his team,” said Djokovic, who cited no physical problems. “He definitely played better and deserved the win today. Honestly, the third round is a success, the way I felt and how I played from the start of this tournament. I played the worst tennis I've ever played.” Honestly, I've ever played and by far the worst serve ever.
Popyrin immediately took control of the game, while Djokovic committed an unusually high number of double faults. The veteran – who later said he had simply “run out of energy” since the start of the tournament – didn't look dominant as usual, but found a better rhythm in the third set, while Popyrin started making more unforced errors.
Djokovic took a 4-2 lead in the third set and was celebrated by the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He won the next two games and forced a fourth set. Even Popyrin's compatriot Nick Kyrgios had not yet lost confidence in Djokovic's abilities.
Djokovic won the first game of the fourth set, but Popyrin didn't let that slip. He equalized to 1-1 and the rest of the set remained hard fought.
A double fault from Djokovic gave Popyrin the lead at 2-2. Djokovic continued to struggle with his serve and was hit with a timeout. Popyrin screamed as he took a 3-2 lead, and then again as he extended his lead with an ace.
Djokovic had the advantage trying to win the next game but gave it up with another double fault. He gained the advantage again, but gave away the point again. Djokovic registered a total of 14 double faults on Friday, which was his most double faults ever in a major event. His previous high was 12 during the opening round of Wimbledon in 2010.
