Defending champion Novak Djokovic was eliminated at the 2024 US Open on Friday night after a 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6 third round loss to 28th seed Alexei Popyrin.
The Serbian star will end a season without a major championship title for the first time since 2017. It is his earliest departure from the US Open since he lost in the same round in 2005 and 2006.
Novak was not up to his usual high standards. He served a career-high 14 double faults in a Grand Slam match, and won the point only on 19 of his 40 trips to the net.
Popyrin broke Djokovic five times from 12 opportunities, while the four-time US Open titlist capitalised on four of his 16 break point chances. The match lasted three hours and 16 minutes.
“Just an awful match for me,” Novak said. “I spent a lot of energy winning the gold in Paris and I did arrive in New York not feeling fresh. 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. Life moves on. I’ll try to recalibrate and look forward to what’s next.”
Match statistics: aces (16-15), double faults (14-6), winners (40-50), unforced errors (49-50), total points won (127-130).
Novak will next go on court in a Davis Cup World Group I tie against Greece in Belgrade, Serbia.
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Photo: Profimedia
