Alexei Popyrin admits he was able to take his “chances” following his victory over Novak Djokovic in R3 of the US Open

Alexei Popyrin stated that taking the chances that came his way was the key to his shock win against Novak Djokovic at the 2024 US Open.

Alexei Popyrin admits he was able to take his “chances” following his victory over Novak Djokovic in R3 of the US Open

Alexei Popyrin (via Getty)

Alexei Popyrin has stated that he was able to take his chances, which allowed him to register an emphatic win against Novak Djokovic in the third round of the 2024 US Open. The Australian had failed to beat Djokovic on three occasions before. In their fourth meeting, he ended that losing streak and also the Serbian’s hopes of a 25th Grand Slam title.

Popyrin had struggled to perform well in the big tournaments this season until August. He lost to Djokovic in the second round of the Australian Open and the third round of Wimbledon. He failed to win a single match in Madrid, Rome, and the French Open. However, the Australian found form at the Canadian Open, beating Andrey Rublev 6-2, 6-4 to win his first Masters 1000 title.

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Following his breakthrough in Montreal, Popyrin was exuding confidence at the US Open, winning his two opening matches without dropping a set. Heading into his third-round clash with Djokovic, however, he was not the favorite to win.

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The World No. 28 then proved he could compete with top-ranked players by beating Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to earn a spot in the Round of 16. After the win, Popyrin admitted that he was able to take his chances in New York, which he failed to do during his clashes with the former World No. 1 in Melbourne and SW19.

Third time lucky I guess. We had battles at Australian open and Wimbledon. I had chances in those matches but didn’t take them. This match was different. I was able to take my chances when I had them. I played some good tennis.
Alexei Popyrin said during his on-court interview

The US Open saw a second shocking upset in as many days at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. On Thursday (August 29), World No. 74 Botic Van de Zandschulp defeated 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.

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“Unbelievable” Alexei Popyrin earns first fourth round spot at a Grand Slam event following win over Novak Djokovic

Alexei Popyrin’s win over Novak Djokovic in the third round of the US Open earned him his first fourth-round spot at a Grand Slam. The Australian capitalized on Djokovic career-high 14 doubles faults and 49 unforced errors to register a shock third-round victory.

Alexei Popyrin (via Imago)

After securing a place in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, Popyrin expressed his delight and breaking the duck, especially since he beat a player like Djokovic to get there. He will face American Frances Tiafoe for a place in the quarterfinals.

It’s unbelievabl. I’ve been in the third round about 15 times in my career But haven’t been able to get to the 4th round. To be able to do it against the greatest of all time is unbelievable. It’s a great feeling.
Alexei Popyrin said during his on-court interview

On the other hand, Djokovic’s exit at the US Open was his earliest at the Grand Slam in 18 years. His exit also means that he will be without a Grand Slam title in a year for the first time since 2017.

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