Down Goes Djokovic: Alexei Popyrin Shocks Defending Champion At US Open
Huff PostAlexei Popyrin, of Australia, reacts Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, during a third round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in New York. “Serving — by far — the worst ever.” With 14 double-faults, raising his tournament total to 32, Djokovic bowed out with a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 loss to 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin of Australia, another shocking result at Flushing Meadows one night after 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz exited. The man who defeated Djokovic 18 years ago, International Tennis Hall of Fame member Lleyton Hewitt, is now Australia’s Davis Cup captain and was sitting in Popyrin’s guest box in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, wipes his face during a third round match against Alexei Popyrin, of Australia, in the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in New York.