US Open :Popyrinn Hands Djokovic Earliest Exit in 18 years
BY:
OSABUOHIEN IMUETINYANOSA
Defending champion Djokovic bamboozled to see his effort and hope crumbled as his dream postponed after serving a career-high 14 double faults in a Grand Slam match having committed 49 unforced errors.
“I tried my best, I didn’t have any physical issues. I just felt out of gas, and you could see that. From the first match, I just didn’t find myself on this court.” Djokovic added.
“Life moves on. I’ll try to recalibrate and look forward to what’s next.”
The US open saw Novak Djokovic followed Carlos Alcaraz out of the US Open having chocking defeat in the third round by Alexei Popyrin.
Australia’s 28th seed Popyrin stood with his arms aloft as he wrapped up a surprise 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 win to hand Djokovic his earliest US Open exit in 18 years.
The Serb will end the year without winning a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017, while his search for a record 25th major title goes on.
“I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played,” the 37-year-old said.
“Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success.”
Djokovic’s exit follows that of French Open and Wimbledon winner Alcaraz, who lost to unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
He said he “spent a lot of energy” winning Olympic gold – his self-proclaimed “biggest sporting achievement” – earlier this month.
Popyrin, 25, will make his first fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam with Tiafoe of france.
