Sports
Alexei Popyrin Shocks Novak Djokovic in US Open Upset
In a remarkable display of determination, Alexei Popyrin defeated world tennis champion Novak Djokovic at the US Open, marking a significant milestone in his career. Popyrin, a 25-year-old from Sydney, secured his victory with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 after a grueling match that lasted 3 hours and 19 minutes on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match saw Popyrin demonstrating incredible focus and resilience. Despite Djokovic’s legendary status and past successes in overcoming two-set deficits, Popyrin maintained his composure. He noted the pressure of serving for the match and the need to concentrate on finishing strong as crucial elements of his victory.
After the match, Popyrin reflected on his performance, acknowledging that while it was a historic win, he did not feel it was the best tennis he had played. He mentioned a number of unforced errors but highlighted his tactical approach and mental fortitude as key factors in his success.
Popyrin’s triumph over Djokovic comes on the heels of his impressive performance at the Montreal Masters earlier this month, where he became the first Australian to win at that level since Lleyton Hewitt. Popyrin expressed that winning in Montreal was a greater achievement for him than defeating Djokovic at the US Open.
Looking forward, Popyrin is set to face Frances Tiafoe, the 20th seed, for a place in the quarter-finals. He remains grounded despite the increased attention and speculation surrounding his potential as an emerging star in Australian tennis.