Alexei Popyrin kicks Novak Djokovic out of US Open as tennis world stunned by 18-year first
The 25-year-old Aussie emulated Lleyton Hewitt with a stunning takedown of the World No.2.
Alexei Popyrin has stunned the tennis world at the US Open after handing Novak Djokovic his earliest exit from the New York grand slam since 2006. The Aussie young gun left the World No.2 shell-shocked as he produced some incredible hitting in a 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 boilover on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It makes Popyrin the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt 18 years ago to beat the great Djokovic at grand slam level. Hewitt's win over Djokovic in the third round in 2006 marked the Serb's earliest exit from the US Open until Friday night's loss to Popyrin (Saturday Australian time).
The World No.28, who has been in career-best form over the last few months, fired off 13 winners to claim the opening set 6-4 against the 24-time grand slam champion. He then broke Djokovic again at 3-2 in the second, before holding his nerve to serve out the set 6-4 for a 2-0 lead in the blockbuster clash.
Djokovic kicked into gear to claim the third set, before Popyrin found another level in the fourth. The Aussie grabbed another break at 2-2 before some unreal hitting saw him surge to a 5-2 lead. The 25-year-old dropped his serve on his first attempt to seal the match, but wouldn't be denied the biggest victory of his career on the second time of asking.
Third time lucky for Alexei Popyrin against Novak Djokovic
Commentators described Popyrin's play as "unreal" and "off the charts" as he left the World No.2 shell-shocked on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 25-year-old recently won his first-career Masters 1000 title in Canada, and knew he had what it takes to beat Djokovic.
Popyrin had some recent near-misses against the super Serb, having lost in four sets twice this year already at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. "Third time lucky, I guess," the Aussie said on court after the match. "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."
The loss also denies Djokovic the chance to go past Margaret Court with a 25th career grand slam title. It marks the first grand slam since the French Open in 2004 that none of Djokovic, Rafa Nadal or Roger Federer are in the Round of 16.
Tennis fans and commentators were left gobsmacked by Popyrin's display, but many also questioned whether Djokovic was 100 per cent fit. With Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson and Chris O'Connell also advancing, Popyrin had earlier helped give Australia four men in the third round of the US Open for the first time in 27 years.
Wow, I didn’t see this coming! I thought the Masters title in Canada would be Popyrin’s ‘flash in the pan’ moment. This victory over Djokovic in a Grand Slam is more impressive to me!
As for Djokovic, I wouldn’t be surprised if he retired soon given that he’s “completed tennis”.— Vithun🇬🇧🇱🇰 (@VitIllankovan) August 31, 2024
Popyrin just broke Novak Djokovic and let out the most guttural sound you will ever hear .. pretty sure they heard that back in his native Australia. pic.twitter.com/77ZN7WoYT3
— Atomic (@Atomic1577360) August 31, 2024
Alexei Popyrin’s reaction after breaking Novak Djokovic in the 4th set at US Open
Long, steady rally.
Going toe to toe with a legend from the baseline.
Until he just UNLEASHES on the forehand.
Huge roar.
Inject this into my veins. 😤
pic.twitter.com/4AFZixWQDP— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 31, 2024
4 double faults in one set by Djokovic.
So many unforced error in this 4th set, combined with absolutely insane tennis by Popyrin...
Now chance to serve for the match.
He deserves this.— Rebel_13 (@Rebel_ACM13) August 31, 2024
Novak Djokovic is clearly injured.
He can't serve or return. He complained about his abdominal.
Tough to watch. ☹️ pic.twitter.com/yvI3XYx00c— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) August 31, 2024
"This is not the Novak Djokovic we're used to see"
2-4
"he's not showing any real emotion" pic.twitter.com/nHNZYJoP2o— C Kristjánsdóttir ●🐊 (@CristinaNcl) August 31, 2024
The last man who beat Djokovic in the third round of the US Open is currently sitting in Popyrin's box pic.twitter.com/YBA0AlHfhJ
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 31, 2024
Alexei Popyrin to face Frances Tiafoe in US Open fourth round
Popyrin will now play Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round after the American earlier weathered a huge storm in the shape of Ben Shelton in a captivating all-US blockbuster. Tiafoe won 4-6 7-5 6-7 (7-5) 6-4 6-3 to move into the last-16 of the US Open for the fifth-consecutive year, where he will now face Popyrin.
Tiafoe was eliminated by Shelton in four sets in the quarter-finals of the 2023 event. And the year before he defeated Nadal on the way to the semi-finals - the best grand slam showing of his career.
After getting past Shelton in a match that lasted four hours, three minutes, Tiafoe spread his arms wide and looked around at the thousands cheering in Arthur Ashe Stadium. "I've got to say, Ben's an incredible player, man. He's an incredible player. He really is," Tiafoe told spectators during a post-match interview.
"He goes for all kind of shots. He's got no care in the world. It's really annoying. ... He's really talented. He can come up with great shots. So can I. It's highlight after highlight. I hope you guys enjoyed the show."
American No.12 seed Taylor Fritz also moved on with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win against Francisco Comesana of Argentina. Other third-round winners on Friday included No.9 Gregor Dimitrov, who beat Tallon Griekspoor 6-3 6-3 6-1, and No.6 Andrey Rublev, who defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-3 7-5 6-4.
with agencies