Novak Djokovic described his play as “the worst tennis ever” following an unexpected early exit at the US Open, his earliest in 18 years.
The four-time New York champion faced a stunning defeat, losing 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round to Australia’s 28th-ranked Alexei Popyrin. Consequently, Djokovic will end a season without a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2017.
The match was marred by Djokovic’s uncharacteristic 14 double faults and 49 unforced errors. He reflected on his performance: “From the start of the tournament to the third round, reaching this point is a success, given some of my worst ever play.” Djokovic admitted that his recent Olympic gold medal win in Paris significantly drained him, leaving him mentally and physically unprepared for the demands of the New York tournament. “I was out of gas,” he confessed, despite not facing any physical issues.
This year has been challenging for Djokovic, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz taking over his titles and Sinner also usurping his world number-one ranking. His early withdrawal from the French Open due to a knee injury and a subsequent defeat by Alcaraz at Wimbledon compounded his struggles.
Djokovic’s exit underscores a significant shift at this year’s US Open. It marks the first time since 2002 that none of the ‘Big Three’—Djokovic, the absent Rafael Nadal, or the retired Roger Federer—won a Slam. Despite this setback, Djokovic remains hopeful, reflecting on his Olympic victory as a notable achievement. “Life moves on,” he remarked, looking ahead to future opportunities.
Read: Alcaraz Ousted in US Open Upset by World No. 74 Van de Zandschulp
