In a beautiful upset on the US Open, Australian Alexei Popyrin defeated international No. 2 Novak Djokovic, halting the Serbian’s quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles call. Popyrin, the No. 28 seed, triumphed over Djokovic with a 6-four, 6-4, 2-6, 6-four victory, marking the most important win of his profession and propelling him into the fourth round of a primary event for the first time.
A Stunning Upset
Popyrin entered the us Open in exceptional shape, using high after prevailing the Montreal Masters in advance this month. His self assurance modified into obvious on Friday night time as he took an early lead in the direction of Djokovic, triumphing the primary gadgets in the front of a greatly surprised crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite a third-set resurgence from Djokovic, Popyrin controlled to regain his composure and steady the fourth set, sending Djokovic to his earliest go out on the US Open in 18 years.
Djokovic’s Struggles
The healthful become some distance from Djokovic’s high-quality average performance. The 37-year-antique, who wore a sleeve over his surgically repaired right knee, seemed slow and mentally disengaged at instances. Djokovic’s sport changed into marred through 13 double faults, the most he has ever recorded in a tour-degree suit. “Just an lousy match for me,” Djokovic admitted after the loss.
Popyrin’s Breakthrough
For Popyrin, the victory over Djokovic became a substantial success. Standing at 6ft 5in, the Australian took complete benefit of his top and energy, hitting 50 winners within the path of the healthful. Popyrin had previously come near beating Djokovic in tightly contested fits earlier this three hundred and sixty five days on the Australian Open and Wimbledon. However, this time, he capitalized on his opportunities, saying, “Third time fortunate, I guess. We had battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had possibilities in the ones fits but didn’t take them. This match turned into considered one of a type. I changed into able to take my possibilities after I had them. I played some accurate tennis.”
Next Round
Popyrin’s win sets up a fourth-spherical war with Frances Tiafoe, the 20th seed, who won a five-set mystery closer to fellow American Ben Shelton in advance inside the day. The unexpected go out of Djokovic has left a big-open direction on this section of the draw, offering a golden opportunity for Popyrin and others to broaden similarly within the event.
Looking Forward
Djokovic’s surprising loss highlights the unpredictability of tennis, even for a player of his first-class. As he reflects in this defeat, Djokovic will truely cause to regroup and refocus for the the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Popyrin’s victory is a testomony to his hard paintings and determination, proving he can compete with the great on the most critical tiers. As the event progresses, all eyes can be on how a long way he can pass.