Novak Djokovic did not mince words when evaluating his lackluster performance at the US Open 2024. He openly acknowledged that his serving was abysmal, leading to his shocking third-round exit from the tournament. The 14 double faults in his match against 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin contributed to his overall disappointment, with a total of 32 double faults throughout the tournament. Djokovic admitted, “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly,” citing his serving as the primary culprit for his early departure.
Djokovic’s defeat at the hands of Popyrin marked his earliest exit from a major since the 2017 Australian Open. The loss came as a shock to many, especially considering Djokovic’s stature in the tennis world. The Serbian player, who had been aiming to make history by winning his 25th Grand Slam singles title, fell short of his goal at the US Open. Additionally, 2024 became the first season since 2002 where none of the Big Three – Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – secured a Grand Slam trophy, highlighting the changing landscape of men’s tennis.
Djokovic’s lackluster performance was evident throughout the match, with the usually dominant player struggling to find his rhythm. Despite feeling physically fit and motivated, Djokovic admitted that he was unable to perform at his best. The emotional and physical toll of winning his first Olympic gold medal earlier in the year may have played a role in his subdued display at the US Open. Djokovic confessed, “I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I did arrive to New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically.”
On the other side of the net, Alexei Popyrin delivered a standout performance against Djokovic, showcasing his strong serve and powerful forehand. Popyrin, who had previously struggled against Djokovic, turned the tables with a convincing victory. His aggressive approach at the net and ability to hit winners under pressure proved to be the difference in the match. Popyrin’s breakthrough victory against Djokovic catapulted him into the next round of the tournament, where he will face off against Frances Tiafoe in a bid to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal.
As Djokovic reflects on his disappointing exit from the US Open, he is faced with the challenge of regrouping and refocusing for future competitions. The defeat serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional tennis and the need for constant adaptation and improvement. While Djokovic’s quest for another Grand Slam title was derailed at the US Open, his resilience and determination have been key factors in his success over the years. As he looks ahead to the next season, Djokovic will undoubtedly draw upon this experience to fuel his drive for further achievements in the sport.
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