Novak Djokovic harshly criticized his own performance at the US Open, calling it one of the worst tennis matches he had ever played. He pointed specifically to his serving, claiming it was the worst he had ever served in his career. This brutal self-assessment came after his unexpected exit in the third round of the tournament, losing to 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin.
The match against Popyrin marked Djokovic’s earliest exit from a major tournament since the 2017 Australian Open. Djokovic admitted that he was far from playing at his best level, stating that his game was falling apart. This defeat was particularly surprising for Djokovic, who had been aiming to become the first player in tennis history to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles.
An Uncharacteristic Year
The 2024 season now stands out as the first year since 2002 in which none of the “Big Three” in men’s tennis, including Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, claimed a Slam trophy. Djokovic’s third-round exit at the US Open equaled his worst performance at Flushing Meadows since 2005 and 2006, marking a significant disappointment for the tennis champion.
Djokovic attributed his lackluster performance to residual fatigue from his recent successes, including winning an Olympic gold medal and his knee surgery in June. Despite feeling physically okay, Djokovic confessed that he was mentally drained and lacking energy during the tournament. This mental and physical fatigue likely contributed to his sloppy serving and overall poor gameplay.
In contrast, Alexei Popyrin’s victory marked a significant breakthrough in his career. Previously winless against Djokovic and struggling in third-round matches at majors, Popyrin showcased strong serving and an aggressive style of play that overwhelmed the Serbian star. Popyrin’s confidence at the net, powerful forehand, and ability to break Djokovic’s serve repeatedly were key factors in his victory.
Moving forward, Alexei Popyrin aims to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal by defeating Frances Tiafoe, setting his sights on advancing further in the tournament. For Djokovic, the early exit at the US Open serves as a wake-up call, prompting him to reassess his physical and mental preparation for future competitions. Despite this setback, Djokovic remains a formidable force in the world of tennis, and his determination will likely drive him to bounce back stronger in the upcoming tournaments.
Leave a Reply