August 31, 2024 — In a stunning turn of events at the U.S. Open, defending champion Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of the tournament by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The shocking loss came in a thrilling four-set match that showcased Popyrin’s remarkable skill and tenacity.
Djokovic, who entered the match as the tournament’s top seed and a favorite to claim his 24th Grand Slam title, was unable to overcome the relentless challenge posed by the 24-year-old Australian. The match, held at Arthur Ashe Stadium, concluded with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in favor of Popyrin, sending shockwaves through the tennis world.
From the outset, Popyrin demonstrated a fearless approach, capitalizing on every opportunity to put Djokovic on the defensive. His powerful serves and aggressive baseline play kept Djokovic scrambling and forced the defending champion into a series of uncharacteristic errors.
In the first set, Popyrin broke Djokovic’s serve early, and despite a valiant effort from the Serb to recover, Popyrin secured the set with a commanding performance. Djokovic responded with a stronger second set, leveling the score with a series of precision shots and tactical play. However, Popyrin regained his momentum in the third set, exhibiting exceptional resilience and court coverage.
The fourth set proved to be the most dramatic. Both players fought fiercely, with Popyrin eventually breaking Djokovic’s serve in the crucial moments of the match. Djokovic’s frustration was evident as he struggled to find his rhythm, while Popyrin’s confidence surged.
This defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit from the U.S. Open since 2019, ending his bid to add another Grand Slam title to his illustrious career. Djokovic, who has been dominant in recent years and held the U.S. Open trophy for the past two years, was visibly disappointed post-match but praised Popyrin for his impressive performance.
“Alexei played an exceptional match today,” Djokovic said in his post-match interview. “He took his chances and showed why he deserves to be here. It’s never easy to lose, especially at a Grand Slam, but he was the better player on the day.”
For Popyrin, this victory represents a career-defining moment. The Australian, currently ranked 26th in the world, has been a rising star in tennis but had not previously made headlines with such a high-profile win. His performance against Djokovic is a testament to his potential and a significant milestone in his career.
“I’m over the moon,” Popyrin said. “To beat a player like Novak, who has been at the top for so long, is an incredible achievement. I just focused on my game and tried to stay aggressive throughout the match.”
As the U.S. Open continues, Popyrin’s victory sets the stage for a potentially thrilling second week of the tournament. The loss is a significant blow to Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, but the tournament remains as unpredictable and exciting as ever.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the rest of the tournament unfolds, with Popyrin now a formidable contender in the quest for the championship.
