“Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Stunned by Alexei Popyrin in Third-Round Exit at US Open 2024” – Hindustan Times

In a stunning upset at the US Open 2024, defending champion Novak Djokovic suffered a shock third-round exit at the hands of Australian player Alexei Popyrin. The world No. 1 and top seed was expected to breeze through the early rounds of the tournament, but Popyrin had other plans as he pulled off a remarkable victory over the Serbian superstar.

Djokovic, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, looked out of sorts from the beginning of the match as Popyrin came out swinging with powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play. The Australian took the first set 6-4, sending shockwaves through the tennis world as fans and analysts alike could not believe what they were witnessing.

Despite a spirited fightback from Djokovic in the second set, Popyrin continued to play fearless tennis and ultimately closed out the match in four sets, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The victory marked a career-defining moment for the 24-year-old Australian, who had never before defeated Djokovic in their previous encounters.

The loss will undoubtedly come as a major disappointment for Djokovic, who was looking to defend his title and add to his already impressive Grand Slam tally. However, the Serbian star was gracious in defeat, praising Popyrin for his exceptional performance and acknowledging that he simply wasn’t at his best on the day.

As for Popyrin, the win will serve as a massive confidence boost as he moves on to the fourth round of the US Open. The young Australian will now have the opportunity to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially take on some of the other top players in the world.

The shocking upset is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis and the depth of talent on the ATP Tour. With Djokovic out of the competition, the race for the US Open title is wide open, and fans can expect plenty more surprises and thrilling matches in the days to come.