Categories: ATP

US Open 2024 Men’s Day 5

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

Bill Scott

Recent Posts

Davis Cup Final to mark Nadal goodbye to tennis

Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…

3 weeks ago

Wimbledon lowers the boom on human linecalling

Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…

3 weeks ago

Djokovic rolls Cobolli as Shanghai fights to restore order

Novak Djokovic returned to action after waiting tow days to play as the rain-hit Shanghai…

4 weeks ago

Innocent umpiring error screws Stan in Shanghai

Stan Wawrinka may have been inadvertently short-changed during Monday's third-round loss at the Shanghai Masters…

4 weeks ago

Sinner sweeps Fritz to win US Open

Jannik Sinner schooled Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to win his second Grand Slam title…

2 months ago

Sabalenka wins Open title for Grand Slam hat-trick

Aryana Sabalenka completed a Grand Slam title hat-trick on Saturday as she fought from 5-3…

2 months ago