Novak Djokovic did not hold back in criticizing his lackluster performance at the U.S. Open, attributing his defeat to sloppy serving. The defending champion experienced a shock exit in the third round, losing to Alexei Popyrin from Australia.

With 14 double-faults in the match, Djokovic admitted it was one of the worst displays of tennis he had ever shown. This loss marks a significant setback in Djokovic’s pursuit of becoming the first player in history to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles.

The unexpected outcome at Flushing Meadows continues a trend of major upsets in the tournament, with top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz also exiting earlier than anticipated. This year’s U.S. Open has been filled with surprises, reshaping the landscape of men’s tennis in 2024.

Djokovic’s defeat was compounded by Alexei Popyrin’s outstanding performance, where he showcased strong net play and powerful forehand shots. Popyrin, who had never beaten Djokovic before, capitalized on the Serbian’s struggles to secure a historic victory.

The tournament now enters a new phase with unexpected contenders emerging and familiar faces like Djokovic bowing out early. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the remaining matches will unfold, as the U.S. Open continues to deliver thrilling moments on the court.

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