Earthquake in New York, Djokovic falls in the third round!

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 31/08/2024 à 04h56

2 min to read

Djokovic Popyrin US Open

Are we heading for one of the most unpredictable Grand Slam tournaments in recent sporting history?

No one knows yet, but what is certain is that this first week of competition at Flushing Meadows is full of surprises.

While several seeded players were eliminated prematurely and Carlos Alcaraz himself saw his adventure come to a premature end, it was now defending champion and world number 2 Novak Djokovic who fell (6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4).

On a fairly average day, particularly on his serve (15 double faults), the Serb quickly realized that his task would not be an easy one.

Opposed to an Alexei Popyrin in the form of his life, as evidenced by his recent title win in Montreal, Djokovic was quickly caught flat-footed.

Conceding more and more ground to an Australian on a mission, the defending champion soon found himself two sets down (6-4, 6-4).

With his back against the wall, 'Nole', as is often the case, was able to find a second wind, albeit insufficient in the end. Flying high in the third act, the 37-year-old legend looked set for one of his magical remontadas.

In the end, it was nothing of the sort.

Far from collapsing, Popyrin was soon on the move again.
Taking the ball earlier and earlier, and constantly depriving his opponent of time, he didn't miss a beat, and soon found himself two breaks ahead.

Relentlessly solid, he never panicked, even when the Serb recovered one of his two late break points.

Writing the greatest page in his personal history, and one of the most recent pages in the tournament's history, the 25-year-old nugget debunked one hell of a statue.

He will now face Tiafoe for a place in the quarter-finals.