Alexei Popyrin stuns Novak Djokovic at the US Open to secure the biggest win of his career so far, and a maiden fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam.
New York, USA, 31 August 2024 | Vivienne Christie
Alexei Popyrin has entered thrilling new territory at the US Open.
With a 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 victory over world No.2 Novak Djokovic, the Australian not only claimed a first completed win over a top-five opponent, but also progressed to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
“Third time lucky I guess,” said a beaming Popyrin, who suffered four-set losses to Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.
“We had some battles … I had my chances in those matches but didn’t take them. This match was a little bit different. I was able to take my chances when I had them and play some good tennis.”
Popyrin triumphed with the fearless and electrifying tennis that also saw the 25-year-old defeat three top-10 opponents – and a total five in the top-20 – to claim his biggest singles title at the recent Montreal Masters. He was the first Australian to lift an ATP Masters 1000 trophy since Lleyton Hewitt at Indian Wells in 2003.
Hewitt, now Australia’s Davis Cup captain, was watching on at Arthur Ashe Stadium as his younger countryman took another giant step forward as he completed victory over Djokovic in an enthralling three hours and 19 minutes.
GIANT SLAYER 😤
Alexei Popyrin eliminates Novak Djokovic from the @usopen with a 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 victory in the third round.#GoAussies pic.twitter.com/hBPKOJJYnT
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) August 31, 2024
Popyrin became the first Australian player to eliminate Djokovic at a Grand Slam since Hewitt had done so in the third round of US Open 2006. He was also the first player to defeat the prolific Serbian before the fourth round at Flushing Meadows since Hewitt’s victory 18 years before.
Seeded at a Grand Slam for the first time by virtue of the career-high No.23 ranking that accompanied his Montreal breakthrough, the 28th-seeded Popyrin was authoritative from the outset as he managed every early challenge from the experienced Serb.
The biggest message was arguably delivered as Popyrin navigated six break points with powerful serving and composure in rallies in the sixth game of the opening set. Showcasing some deft net play that had the New York crowd enraptured, the 28th-seeded Australian stepped it by securing a…
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