Video: Novak Djokovic Stunned By Alexei Popyrin, Knocked Out Of US Open 2024 In 3rd Round

Twenty-four time grand-slam champion Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of US Open 2024 by Alexei Popyrin on Saturday as the latter beat the Serbian 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, and 6-4. The development comes a day after another top contender in Carlos Alcaraz failed to progress beyond the second round.

The veteran Serbian Tennis star had inevitably come to the US Open, especially after clinching gold in the Paris Olympics by defeating Alcaraz in the final. Djokovic defeated Radu Albot in straight sets in the first round and received a walkover in the second round against Laslo Djere after winning the first two sets comfortably and with the third's scoreline being 0-2.

The 37-year-old had also committed a jaw-dropping 14 double faults, proving to be his most in a grand-slam contest. It is also the first occasion since 2006 that Djokovic exits the US Open prior to the fourth round. Popyrin, meanwhile, will face Francis Tiafoe on Sunday.

"Third time lucky, I guess" - Alexei Popyrin

Following the massive win, Popyrin said he had opportunities to get the better of Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, but is happy to be successful this time. He elaborated, as quoted by The Guardian:

"Third time lucky, I guess. Honestly, we had some battles at Australian Open and at Wimbledon. I had my chances of getting in those matches but didn’t take them. This match I was able to take my chances when I got him and play some good tennis. It’s unbelievable because I’ve been in the third round about 15 times but I haven’t been able to get past to the fourth round in my career. And to be able to do it against the greatest of all time, to get in to the fourth round is unbelievable."