US Open 2024 Men’s Singles: Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin preview, prediction, and live stream details
Defending champion Novak Djokovic will face Canadian Open winner Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the 2024 US Open.
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Novak Djokovic and Alexei Popyrin (via Getty Images/Imago)
Alexei Popyrin will face history-chasing defending champion Novak Djokovic in the third round of the 2024 US Open. The Australian has never beaten the Serbian in their three meetings. However, following his Canadian Open victory, the World No. 28 will go into his fourth encounter with Djokovic full of confidence.
Djokovic has yet to drop a set since arriving at the US Open. He skipped the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season. Expectedly, the 37-year-old has not shown any sign of rust in his performances so far.
Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin: Match Details
- Tournament: US Open 2024
- Match: Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin
- Round: Third Round
- Date: August 30, 2024
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin: Match Preview
Novak Djokovic began the year with a semifinal exit at the Australian Open after losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner. The World No. 2 returned to the court at the Monte Carlo Masters after skipping several tournaments following his poor run at Indian Wells.
Djokovic exited in the semifinals in Monte Carlo and faced the same outcome at the Geneva Open. He was then forced to withdraw from the French Open after a knee injury but did well to recover in time to compete at Wimbledon.
At the All England Club, he got to his first final of the season, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. He earned his revenge over the Spaniard to claim the singles Olympic gold medal in Paris. At the US Open, he beat Moldavian qualifier Radu Albot 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round. He maintained the tempo against Laslo Djere and was leading 6-4, 6-4, 2-0 before his compatriot retired.
On the other hand, Alexei Popyrin began the season poorly. However, he hit form at the Qatar Open, reaching the semifinals before losing 7-6(12), 6-2 to eventual champion Karen Khachanov. After that, he struggled with his game. He won only two matches throughout the clay season, exiting in the first round in Madrid, Rome, and at the French Open.
The 25-year-old found some form at Wimbledon, where he reached the third round and lost 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(3) to Djokovic. At the Canadian Open, he beat Andrey Rublev to win his first Masters 1000 title. In new York at the US Open, he began his campaign by beating South Korean Kwon Soon-woo 7-5, 6-2, 6-3 and then beat Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in the second round.
Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin: Match Prediction
The first time Djokovic played Popyrin was at the 2019 Japan Open, where the Serbian won 6-4, 6-2. They faced each other again at the Australian Open this year. Despite Popyrin playing better, Djokovic ran away with a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 win. They met again at Wimbledon, where Djokovic extended his head-to-head record against the Australian to 3-0.
Djokovic will be looking forward to claiming his fourth win over the World No. 28 in the third round of the US Open. Popyrin would make it difficult for Djokovic, but the Serbian should not struggle much to get past him. With a record 25th Grand Slam on the line, he will go into the contest with confidence and should wrap up the win with ease.
Match Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.
Novak Djokovic vs. Alexei Popyrin: Live stream details
- USA: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, ABC, Tennis Channel
- UK and Europe (Except France): BBC, Eurosport
- France: beIN Sports France
- Australia: Nine & Stan Sport
- Canada: ESPN International, TSN/RDS
- India: Sony Sports Network
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Victor Okechukwu
(743 Articles Published)