Defending champion Novak Djokovic was knocked out of the US Open by Alexei Popyrin in a surprising third-round defeat. The 28th seed from Australia won with scores of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, marking Djokovic’s earliest exit from the tournament in 18 years.
This loss means Djokovic will end the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017, and his quest for a record 25th major title continues.
Djokovic struggled throughout the match, serving a career-high 14 double faults and making 49 unforced errors. “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played,” the 37-year-old remarked.
“Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success,” he added.
Djokovic’s departure follows the earlier exit of French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, who was defeated by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round. Alcaraz mentioned that he “spent a lot of energy” winning Olympic gold earlier this month, which he described as his “biggest sporting achievement.”
“I tried my best, I didn’t have any physical issues. I just felt out of gas, and you could see that. From the first match, I just didn’t find myself on this court,” Djokovic explained. “Life moves on. I’ll try to recalibrate and look forward to what’s next.”
Popyrin, 25, will advance to his first fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam, where he will face Frances Tiafoe, who defeated fellow American Ben Shelton in a five-set match