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Defending champion Novak Djokovic admitted he “played my worst tennis ever” after his first US Open exit in 18 years on Friday, raising further questions about his future in the sport. Djokovic, 37, a four-time champion in New York, lost 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to 28th-ranked Alexei Popyrin of Australia in the third round to once again miss out on a record 25th Grand Slam title.
His defeat, in which he committed an unusual 14 double faults and 49 unforced errors, means he will end the season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.
“The way I played from the start of the tournament to getting to the third round is a success,” said a disappointed Djokovic, who won 24 Slam titles with Margaret Court. “I played my worst tennis ever.”
Djokovic admitted that his effort to win Olympic gold in Paris four weeks ago and the aftermath affected his New York campaign. “Of course it had an impact. I spent a lot of energy winning gold, and I arrived in New York feeling very refreshed, mentally and physically.
“But since it’s the US Open, I went ahead and tried my best. I had no physical problems. I just felt a lack of energy.”
The biggest blow came that year when Jannik Sinner replaced him as Australian Open champion, after Carlos Alcaraz won the French Open title and knocked him off the court in the Wimbledon final. After defeating him in the Australian Open semi-finals, Sinner also regained his world number one ranking, which Djokovic had jointly held for 428 weeks.
Due to a knee injury that required surgery, Djokovic was forced to withdraw from the French Open on the eve of the quarterfinals. His recovery was still not strong enough to prevent Alcaraz from winning an eighth Wimbledon.
Friday’s surprise result means that for the first time since 2002 a Grand Slam will not be won by any member of the ‘Big Three’, which includes Djokovic, the absent Rafael Nadal or the retired Roger Federer.
The Serb’s exit on Friday was another major blow to the US Open, as Alcaraz suffered a shock defeat in the second round on Thursday. “I played some good tennis,” said Popyrin, who was watched in his player box by Lleyton Hewitt, the man who stunned Djokovic in the third round in New York in 2006.
“To reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam by beating the greatest player of all time is unbelievable.”
Djokovic’s only consolation in a disappointing year was winning Olympic gold in Paris in early August.
olympic gold
He described the emotional win over Alcaraz as his “greatest achievement” as he became only the sixth player to complete the Golden Slam of four majors and Olympic gold. The title – his 99th career title – may prove to be his final defining moment.
If he plays until 2025 and wins an 11th Australian Open title in January, he will be the oldest male Grand Slam champion in the modern era.
On Friday, Djokovic paid a heavy price for failing to convert five break points in the sixth game of the opening set against Popyrin, who is 12 years his junior. The Australian had no trouble converting a break point in the ninth game but then held serve confidently to take the first set.
Popyrin lost to Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, but arrived in New York after winning his first Masters title in Montreal. His confidence on the hardcourt showed when he led 3-2 in the second set, then 4-2 and won the set with confident serve and volley.
‘Life goes on’
However, Djokovic came up with all his might in the third set to reduce the deficit by grabbing two breaks. Popyrin grabbed a 3-2 lead in the fourth set, earning a break of serve with a free-swinging forehand that sent Arthur Ashe Stadium into a thunderous roar.
Popyrin raced to a double break, but Djokovic fought back to get a break. But Popyrin was not to be deterred as he sealed a famous win for himself and possibly created no way for Djokovic to come back.
“Life goes on,” the Serb said. “I will try and re-balance myself and see what’s next. Tomorrow is a new day.”
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