Defending champion Novak Djokovic expressed deep disappointment after his unexpected third-round exit from the 2024 US Open, where he was defeated by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 match. This loss represents Djokovic’s earliest departure from a Grand Slam since 2017 and his worst performance at the US Open since 2006.
In a candid post-match interview, Djokovic admitted to playing “some of the worst tennis” of his career, particularly struggling with his serve. “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly, serving by far the worst ever,” Djokovic said. Throughout the tournament, he recorded an alarming 32 double faults, 14 of which came during his match against Popyrin, leading to five service breaks.
Djokovic acknowledged that his low first-serve percentage significantly undermined his ability to win critical points. “If you play on a quick surface like this without the serve, without the ability to win free points, then you can’t win,” he explained. “It was just an awful match for me.”
This defeat comes just weeks after Djokovic’s historic gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics, where he defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the final without losing a set. However, Djokovic skipped preparatory events leading up to the US Open, which may have affected his readiness for the tournament. “I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I did arrive in New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically,” he noted.
With this loss, Djokovic concludes the year without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017, marking a significant moment in his storied career. Additionally, 2024 is the first year since 2002 that none of the “Big Three”—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—have claimed a major title. Djokovic’s best result this year was reaching the Wimbledon final, where he was defeated by Alcaraz.
Despite the setback, Djokovic remains hopeful about the future. “Life moves on. I will just try and recalibrate and look for what’s next,” he said. He emphasized the importance of accepting difficult tournaments and expressed a commitment to improving his game.
For Alexei Popyrin, this victory marks a major breakthrough, as he advances to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time after previously being 0-3 against Djokovic. Popyrin will next face Frances Tiafoe as he continues his quest for a spot in the quarterfinals.
