Alexei Popyrin Upsets Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in US Open Third Round, Djokovic's Earliest Exit Since 2006

Aug 31, 2024, 04:03 AM

In a stunning upset at the US Open, Alexei Popyrin defeated defending champion Novak Djokovic in the third round. Popyrin, ranked 28th, won the match in four sets with scores of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, hitting 50 winners. This marks Djokovic's earliest exit from the US Open since 2006 and his first loss before the fourth round in a Grand Slam since the 2017 Australian Open. Popyrin's victory is considered the biggest of his career, as he advances to the fourth round for the first time, where he will face Frances Tiafoe. Lleyton Hewitt, a member of Popyrin’s team, was present during the match. This defeat also signifies the first time since 2002 that no member of the 'Big Three'—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer—will win a Grand Slam title in a season.