Novak Djokovic’s reign at the US Open came to an abrupt end in the third round, as he succumbed to a stunning defeat against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The Serbian ace, who has dominated the sport for over a decade, was outplayed by the rising star in a thrilling four-set encounter.
Popyrin, ranked 113th in the world, displayed remarkable composure and precision throughout the match. He controlled the pace of the game with his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, leaving Djokovic struggling to find his rhythm. The Australian took the first two sets with relative ease, winning 6-4 in both.
However, Djokovic, known for his resilience, refused to go down without a fight. He rallied back in the third set, showcasing his trademark determination and retrieving seemingly impossible shots. He broke Popyrin’s serve twice to take the set 6-2, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
In the fourth set, the intensity reached fever pitch. Both players traded blows, with Popyrin holding a narrow lead. Djokovic fought valiantly, but Popyrin’s relentless pressure proved too much to overcome. The Australian sealed the victory with a 6-4 win, sending shockwaves through the tennis world.
This defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2017 Australian Open. It also raises questions about his future in the sport, as he approaches the twilight of his career. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes it may be time for Djokovic to consider retirement.
“He got what he really wanted, which was the Olympic gold medal, but he still wants the 25th Grand Slam, because then he’s one more than Margaret Court,” Navratilova said. “The end of his time will catch up with him… and it may already be a little bit, because he wasn’t really himself in that last match.”
Djokovic’s participation in the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal in men’s singles, may have taken a toll on his physical and mental state. The Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who also competed in Paris, suffered a similar fate, losing in the second round of the US Open.
Despite this setback, Djokovic remains one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He has won 21 Grand Slam titles, the most among men in the Open Era. His legacy is secure, but the question remains whether he will continue to chase more glory or decide to hang up his racquet.
