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Novak Djokovic has been eliminated from the 2024 US Open after a shock loss to 25-year-old Alexei Popyrin in the third round.
The 37-year-old suffered his earliest US Open exit in 18 years, losing 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 early Saturday morning.
Djokovic will conclude the year without winning a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017. His hunt for a record 25th major title continues as well.
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The Serb was quite a shadow of himself during the match. His 14 double faults is a career-high in a Grand Slam match as he also committed 49 unforced errors.
“I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played,” Djokovic said.
“Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success.”
Djokovic exit the tournament alongside of French Open and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard was defeated by unseeded Dutch player Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
The Serb said he had dedicated a lot of his energy to winning Olympic gold. The player also sees that feat as his “biggest sporting achievement”.
“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.”
Australia’s 28th seed Popyrin will make his maiden fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam. He will face Frances Tiafoe, who knocked out fellow American Ben Shelton in a sensational five-set match.
Tags: Novak Djokovic, Alexei Popyrin, 2024 US Open, Serb, Carlos Alcaraz, Frances Tiafoe, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports.