Djokovic Upset By Popyrin At U.S. Open, Gauff Advances In Thriller

Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title came to a shocking end at the U.S. Open on Friday, as he was defeated in the third round by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. The defending champion struggled to find his usual form and fell 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, marking the end of his Grand Slam run for 2024. This loss means Djokovic will finish the year without a major title for the first time since 2017, a stunning outcome that opens the door for other contenders in the tournament.

Djokovic’s unexpected exit follows another major upset at this year’s tournament, with Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat the previous day. Players like Frances Tiafoe, who edged past fellow American Ben Shelton in a five-set battle, and Taylor Fritz, who easily dispatched Francisco Comesana, are now eyeing a rare chance at glory. Tiafoe, aiming to become the first American man to win the U.S. Open since Andy Roddick in 2003, triumphed 4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3 to keep his hopes alive. Meanwhile, Fritz’s straight-set victory secured his place as the first American man to reach the last 16 in all four Grand Slams in a single year since Andre Agassi in 2003.

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Coco Gauff also survived a scare in her third-round match against Elina Svitolina. After dropping the first set, Gauff rallied to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 win. The world No. 3 admitted needing a mental reset during the match, which helped her turn things around. “I just didn’t want to leave the court with any regrets,” Gauff said.

Elsewhere, Paula Badosa staged a comeback to defeat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(8), continuing her strong form on the American hardcourts. Badosa, who earlier this year considered retiring due to a back injury, expressed her gratitude for being able to compete at such a high level again. “It means so much. After what I’ve been through the last year, it’s very special to already be on this level,” she said.

In other results, Victoria Azarenka’s U.S. Open journey ended with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 loss to Wang Yafan, while Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen kept China’s hopes alive by defeating Jule Niemeier 6-2, 6-1. Casper Ruud, the 2022 runner-up, survived a tough five-setter against Shang Juncheng after being down two sets. Ruud credited his mental toughness for his 6-7(1), 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-1 comeback win, stating, “It’s a matter of having the right mindset and believing all the way.”