For the first time since 2002, none of the “Big Three” of men’s tennis – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – claimed a Grand Slam title.
Biggest Victory for Popyrin
An angry Novak Djokovic failed in his bid to create a record 25th Grand Slam title as he lost to Alexei Popyrin. Australian Popyrin secured the biggest win of his career as he defeated the second-seeded Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the US Open on Friday.
Third Time’s the Charm
“Third time lucky, I guess,” said Popyrin in his on-court interview, having been beaten by Djokovic at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon earlier in the season. The 24-year-old Australian took full advantage of a stunning collapse from the top-seeded Serb, who has rarely been as sloppy with 14 double faults a record for him in a Grand Slam match.
Djokovic labors in wake of Olympic triumph
Djokovic, who arrived in New York with a gold medal from Paris, never looked energetic and failed to jump at his opponent throughout the match. The Serbian showed glimpses of his spirit in the third set after going down two sets, but the Australian managed to snap out of it quickly. A beautiful forehand winner finally sealed the deal in the fourth set for Popyrin. This was Djokovic’s earliest U.S Open defeat since 2006. Djokovic later admitted this as an ‘awful’ U.S Open loss.
Popyrin Advances to the Next Round
With the victory, Popyrin moves into the round of 16, where he will face American Frances Tiafoe. Djokovic’s defeat also guarantees that, for the first time since 2002, one of the so-called “Big Three” of men’s tennis-Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer-will not capture a Grand Slam title this year.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
