Popyrin's American Dream Turns into Djokovic's Nightmare

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We don't know if it's the big surprise of this US Open 2024 because there are others fighting for this title as well. Few could have expected that Alexei Popyrin would defeat Novak Djokovic in the third round of the American Grand Slam. The Australian player, ranked 28th in the world, beat the Serbian with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, and 6-4 in 3 hours and 20 minutes to achieve one of the best results of his career, coming just weeks after his first Masters 1000 title in Canada.

With a 1-hour and 30-minute delay from the supposed start time of the night session, the Serbian and the Australian finished warming up to start the match. That was the time needed at the US Open to clear the audience from the day session and bring the next batch in. Equality prevailed in the first set, with Alexei sticking to his playing style, delivering a strong serve and making good net approaches, while Nole tried to catch him off guard, which didn't happen.

On the contrary, the Australian raised his level of aggression to secure the first break of the match, essential to get within a game of the set. With several winners and aces, Popyrin made a statement, unleashing a roar that reflected all the tension he had been holding in those first 45 minutes of the match. Supported by the crowd, calm returned to Arthur Ashe for the continuation of the match.

Popyrin stays on course

From Alexei's quick points, mostly decided with his serve or at the net, the match transitioned to long rallies in Nole's service games, where the Australian stepped in closer to the baseline to force Djokovic's errors or dominate with his forehand. The threat grew with another break by Popyrin, showcasing his incredible tennis level. An ankle twist worried the Australian, who kept stretching the area during the changeover, but this didn't prevent the second set from going the same way.

Djokovic keeps hopes alive for a comeback

It wasn't with an ace but with a net approach that Alexei continued his charge, now closer to causing the big upset. Djokovic raised the intensity of the points, increasing the pace and finally exploiting the errors of an opponent no longer hitting the lines, thus securing his first break of the match. Confident in that position, Nole pushed towards the fourth set, knowing what he needed to do to stay ahead on the scoreboard.

Celebrating each service game as if it were a set, Popyrin was fully aware of the importance of every point. He knew he couldn't afford to give anything away to someone like Novak. After minutes of tension on every shot, every serve, and every second, Djokovic yielded. Despite giving his all to reverse the deficit, Nole couldn't shake off his errors completely. From deuce to deuce, relentlessly, it was Alexei who took another step forward towards victory.

With a 5-2 lead and his serve, four errors crept into the Aussie's game, eager to close it out. Despite the rush not being conducive, Popyrin relied on his serve and a flawless point at the net, leveling the game. Despite initial resistance, Alexei succumbed to a determined Djokovic, who controlled the game with sliced shots to seal it with his forehand. With much more confidence in the next opportunity, Popyrin achieved what seemed impossible. His next opponent in the US Open 2024 will be Frances Tiafoe.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El sueño americano de Popyrin se convierte en la pesadilla de Djokovic