Alexei Popyrin rose to the big occasion Friday to stun Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to power into the US Open fourth round.
The Australian who won the Montreal title this month, produced another precedent-breaking performance to send the Serb packing.
Djokovic will end the season without a major title, the first time that has happened since 2017.
“The loss was his worst here since 2006 when he was defeated by Lleyton Hewitt..
Popyrin set up three match points with his 14th ace and needed only one to achieve his best career Grand Slam showing.
He finally defeated Djokovic after three previous losses to the Serb.
“We’ve had battles at the Australian open and Wimbledon,” the winner said. “I had chances then and didn’t take them.
“This time I played some good tennis. It’s unbelievable to be in the third round, it’s a great feeling.
Djokovic lost with 14 double-faults and was broken five times, with defeat possibly a hangover from his Olympic gold medal in Paris.
Popyrin moved into a match with Frances Tiafoe, a winner over compatriot and good friend Ben Shelton.
Tiafoe won 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5) 6-4, 6-4), 6-3 to reach the fourth round .
“A great performance, I think I returned exceptional today. I thought I made a lot of returns, made him play a lot,” Tiafoe said.
“I wished I served better but I served really well at the end, and that’s what
counts.
“Ben’s an incredible player, man, and he comes up with the goods a lot. It was definitely a tough match.
“Ultimately a great performance, something I’m really happy about.”
The winner of the all-American battle will face Popyrin.
Casper Ruud outlasted Juncheng Shang in a 6-7 (1-7), 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-1.
Sixth seed Andrey Rublev reached the second week 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 over Czech Jiri Lehecka.
Main photo:- Alexei Popyrin celebrates winning his third round match beating Novak Djokovic – by Mark Greenwood,International Sports Fotos Ltd
