Manashimaya
In a shocking turn of events at the US Open 2024, Novak Djokovic’s remarkable streak of reaching the fourth round came to an unexpected halt. The legendary Serb, who has been a dominant force in tennis for nearly two decades, was defeated by Alexei Popyrin in the third round, marking the first time in 18 years that Djokovic’s US Open streak ends before the fourth round.
The Australian 28th seed, who was hoping to add another Grand Slam victory to his already impressive resume, outperformed Djokovic. Popyrin defeated Djokovic in four exhausting sets to earn the greatest victory of his career in the match, which took place at the storied Arthur Ashe Stadium. With this unexpected defeat, Djokovic’s run of success at the US Open comes to an end without a Grand Slam victory for the first time since 2017, which is a notable change from his customary supremacy.
The defeat was particularly unexpected given Djokovic’s track record. Known for his unparalleled resilience, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has made comebacks from two sets down on eight different occasions in his career. However, as Djokovic’s US Open streak ends, it was evident that the Serb struggled to find his rhythm on Friday. Popyrin capitalised on Djokovic’s uncharacteristic errors, winning the first two sets 6-4, 6-4 with relative ease.
Despite a valiant effort in the third set, where Djokovic showcased his fighting spirit by breaking Popyrin thrice to win 6-2, it was not enough to turn the tide. The Australian maintained his composure and delivered a powerful performance in the fourth set, securing a double break early on. As Djokovic’s US Open streak ends, he simply could not summon the same magic that has seen him overcome similar situations in the past.
Popyrin, at 25 years old, displayed remarkable poise under pressure, demonstrating that he was more than capable of standing toe-to-toe with one of the greatest players of all time. His victory not only marks a career milestone but also signals a potential shift in the landscape of men’s tennis as Djokovic’s US Open streak ends and new stars emerge.
With Djokovic and fellow top seed Carlos Alcaraz both exiting the tournament, the men’s singles draw is now wide open. The spotlight now turns to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has shown exceptional form in New York. As Djokovic’s US Open streak ends, Sinner has a prime opportunity to seize his first Grand Slam title, further emphasising the changing guard in men’s tennis.
In conclusion, Djokovic’s US Open streak ends in a way few could have anticipated. His defeat not only signals a rare setback in an otherwise stellar career but also highlights the unpredictable nature of sports. As the US Open continues, all eyes will be on the rising stars of tennis, ready to claim their place in history, just as Djokovic’s US Open streak ends, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
