Alexei Popyrin has shaken the tennis world by delivering Novak Djokovic his earliest exit from the US Open since 2006.
In a stunning display on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Australian talent overpowered the World No.2 with a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory.
Popyrin’s triumph marks the first time an Australian has defeated Djokovic at a Grand Slam since Lleyton Hewitt’s win in 2006, which also marked Djokovic’s earliest exit from the US Open until this recent match.
The World No.28, who has been in outstanding form in 2024, showcased his skills by hitting 13 winners to claim the first set 6-4. He then broke Djokovic’s serve again in the second set, consolidating with a 6-4 win for a commanding 2-0 lead.
Djokovic responded by taking the third set, but Popyrin found another gear in the fourth. He broke Djokovic’s serve at 2-2 and surged to a 5-2 lead with remarkable play.
Although he dropped his serve when serving for the match initially, he secured the win on his second attempt, delivering the most significant victory of his career.
Commentators were in awe of Popyrin’s performance, describing it as “unreal” and “off the charts.”
His recent Masters 1000 title in Canada had already hinted at his potential, but this Grand Slam victory was a breakthrough.
Popyrin, who had previously come close to defeating Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, finally broke through, exclaiming on court, “Third time lucky, I guess.”
He added, “Honestly, we had some battles at Australian Open and at Wimbledon. I had my chances of getting in those matches but didn’t take them. This match I was able to take my chances when I got him and play some good tennis. It’s unbelievable because I’ve been in the third round about 15 times but I haven’t been able to get past to the fourth round in my career. And to be able to do it against the greatest of all time, to get in to the fourth round is unbelievable.”
Djokovic’s loss not only denied him the opportunity to surpass Margaret Court with a 25th Grand Slam title but also marked the first major since the 2004 French Open where neither Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, nor Roger Federer reached the Round of 16.
There was speculation about Djokovic’s fitness, with some observers noting his difficulties with serving and returning, and his complaints about abdominal pain.
Popyrin’s victory has led some to question whether Djokovic might be nearing retirement, given his past achievements in the sport.
Popyrin’s next challenge will be Frances Tiafoe, who advanced to the fourth round after a grueling five-set match against Ben Shelton, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (7-5), 6-4, 6-3.
Tiafoe, who had previously been knocked out by Shelton in the quarter-finals of the 2023 US Open and defeated Nadal in 2022, will be looking to continue his impressive form.
American No.12 seed Taylor Fritz also progressed with a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Francisco Comesana of Argentina.
Other notable third-round winners included No.9 Grigor Dimitrov, who triumphed 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 over Tallon Griekspoor, and No.6 Andrey Rublev, who defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.
