Defending champion Novak Djokovic was unexpectedly defeated in the third round of the U.S. Open by 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin, ending his quest to become the first player with 25 Grand Slam singles titles. This also marks the first year since 2017 in which Djokovic did not win a major championship. This surprising loss also means that 2024 will be the first season since 2002 in which none of the Big Three of men’s tennis – Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – claimed a Slam trophy.
Djokovic struggled with 14 double faults and looked physically and emotionally off during the match, perhaps due to residual fatigue from winning his first Olympic gold medal earlier in the year. Popyrin, who had never beaten Djokovic before, had a breakthrough win that highlighted his strong performance, showcasing his powerful forehand and successful net play.
Following this victory, Popyrin will face No. 20 Frances Tiafoe in his quest to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Djokovic’s unexpected defeat marks a significant moment in tennis history, as it signals a shift away from the dominance of the Big Three.
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