The US Open 2024 is a Grand Slam of shocking surprises as Novak Djokovic fell to Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round of the tournament. The Serbian came high after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics but fell to 28th seed.
Djokovic, the 2023 US Open champion, bowed down in defeat. He acknowledged the game against the Australian might be one of his worst tennis. Djokovic, 37, admitted that his serving was by far the worst. The former world champion told reporters in a post-match interview that it was an awful match for him – he wasn’t playing close to his heart.
“It’s not good to be in that kind of state where you feel OK physically,” Djokovic said. “Of course, you are motivated because it’s a Grand Slam, but then you are just not able to find your game.” The 24x Grand Slam champion highlighted that the game against Popyrin fell like a house of cards. “I guess you have to accept that tournaments like this happen.”
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Alexei Popyrin Feels Lucky, Novak Djokovic Out
Popyrin, 25, believes he got third time lucky in 2024. He told reporters he had similar chances at the Australian Open and Wimbledon but didn’t take them. Popyrin said this match was different as he took chances and played some great tennis.
About his win over Djokovic, Popyrin said it was unbelievable. “I have been in the third roundabout 15 times in my career, but I haven’t been able to get to the fourth round.” The Australian said it’s a great feeling to be able to do it against the greatest of all time.