Alexei Popyrin delivers another surprise at this US Open by eliminating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round of the tournament. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had moments of great play and resisted the Australian, but he struggled significantly with his serve, committing a total of 13 double faults, an absolute record in his career.
Djokovic
(No. 2) started with good service games, although without putting much pressure
on a determined Popyrin (No. 28), who from the beginning sought to shorten
points by constantly approaching the net with considerable effectiveness
(10/13).
Popyrin
faced his first tough moment when he was down 0-40 in the 6th game but managed
to come through with strong serves to maintain parity. The Australian surprised
everyone by securing a break to love in the 9th game and then closed the set
6-4.
The world
No. 28 did not let up in the second set, putting Djokovic under pressure from
the return, especially after breaking in the 5th game on his third chance.
Popyrin maintained his strategy of shortening points and used slices when Nole
forced longer rallies. However, Djokovic could not find solutions to his
opponent's serve, and Popyrin took the second set 6-4.
Novak Djokovic at 2024 US Open.
The former
world No. 1 showed his class in the third set by quickly securing a break that
put him ahead 3-0. Popyrin recovered the break in the 5th game, but Nole
immediately broke back to regain the lead. The crowd's intervention was crucial
at this point, as both players encouraged the fans after each point.
Djokovic
began to hint at a comeback after taking the set convincingly 6-2, but this did
not intimidate Popyrin, who maintained his concentration throughout the match.
Djokovic faltered on his second serve, and Popyrin took advantage to secure a
break, putting him in a great position to close out the match.
Despite the
Serbian having several break opportunities in his favor, he could not reduce
the lead. In impeccable form, Popyrin closed the match 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4,
proving that his Masters 1000 title a few weeks ago was no fluke.
It was a nightmare for Nole when Popyrin secured his second break and went up 5-2 with serve in his favor. Djokovic managed to recover a break and then held his serve one last time, but the Australian didn’t give him any chances towards the end and closed out the win 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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