Another big surprise at the US Open: Popyrin beats Djokovic | ATP Tour

US Open

Another big surprise in NYC: Popyrin beats Djokovic

First to beat ‘Nole’ in 3R of the US Open since Hewitt in 2006

August 31, 2024

One night after Botic van de Zandschulp beat Carlos Alcaraz in the second round, Alexei Popyrin has pulled off another upset at the US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to book a place in the last 16 of the American major for the first time in his career.

The Australian, who entered the court trailing Djokovic 0-3 in his Lexus ATP Head-To-Head, had already threatened the current No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings in the past. This year at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, he took ‘Nole’ to a fourth set, which in the case of the London encounter was decided in a tie-break. But the fourth time was the charm.

“I guess third time was the charm this year,” Popyrin said. “Honestly, we had some battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had my chances in those matches, but I didn’t take advantage of them. This match was a little bit different. I was able to take advantage of my chances when I had them and played some good tennis.”

The momentum of a dream American summer was evident. After winning his first ATP Masters 1000 in Montreal, the current No. 28 in the PIF ATP Rankings arrived at the US Open with a confidence that has allowed him to break through the third round barrier at this event, after falling short at this stage in 2019 and 2021.

Popyrin also came into this match with a 0-6 record in Grand Slam third rounds. This Friday he ended that drought. He is now in the round of 16 at Flushing Meadows, beating the reigning champion of the tournament, and looking to score the best ranking win of his career (first against a Top 2 player).

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And it’s not just his best win by ranking but also by level. He needed to play on the edge of perfection to beat the male tennis player with the most wins at Arthur Ashe Stadium (78). And that’s what he did for most of the match, in addition to taking advantage of an inconsistent version of the four-time champion of the tournament.

Popyrin, who was out of the Top 60 a month ago, built a 2-0 lead in sets without losing serve, saving five break points (all in the opening set) and breaking once in a set. ‘Nole’s’ hopes of overcoming a 0-2 deficit in sets for the eighth time were born when he took the third set, but the Australian extinguished them by breaking at 2-2, as well as at 4-2.

Although he was unable to close out the match at 5-2, he did claim victory minutes later. And, having achieved it, he celebrated with his box, which also included Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, as if he had won a title. And no wonder. Djokovic had not lost in a third round of a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2016 (l. to Querrey).

And at the US Open since 2006, when he fell to Hewitt, who was present this Friday to witness Popyrin’s feat, who is now ranked No. 23 in the live rankings. In the latter, ‘Nole’ is ranked No. 4, so his exit from the Top 3 after the tournament is already assured.

“It’s amazing because I’ve been to the third round of Grand Slams about 15 times in my career but I haven’t been able to get to the fourth round,” said Popyrin, who next faces local Frances Tiafoe. “To be able to do it against the best of all time is amazing. It’s a great feeling and the hard work has paid off.”

Did you know that…?
Given Friday’s result, Roger Federer will remain, at least for one more year, the last man capable of defending the title of this event, having won it in 2008.