Disappointed: Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the third round of this year's US Open. © APA / SARAH STIER

Djokovic and Musetti fail early

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Italian Lorenzo Musetti were eliminated in the third round of the US Open in New York.

August 31, 2024

From: apa/am

Djokovic, seeded number 2, suffered a surprise defeat to Australian Alexei Popyrin on Friday (CEST) after 3 hours and 19 minutes with 4:6, 4:6, 6:2, 4:6. The Serbian Olympic champion will have to wait a little longer for his 25th Grand Slam title, as the 37-year-old did not win a major this year.

Popyrin, seeded 28th, once again demonstrated his strong hard court form and showed some inspiring tennis at times. He celebrated spectacular point wins with great enthusiasm and repeatedly fired up the crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium. In preparation, Popyrin won the Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal and now made it to the round of XNUMX in a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.

Alexei Popyrin screams his joy. © APA/afp / ANGELA WEISS

In the first interview, Popyrin recalled matches against Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. "I had my chances in those matches, but I didn't take them. This match was a bit different, I was able to take my chances and played good tennis."

Musetti loses in 4 sets

Lorenzo Musetti (ATP 18) was also eliminated. The Italian lost to the American Brandon Nakashima (ATP 50) in 4 sets with 2:6, 6:3, 3:6, 6:7 (4:7). Musetti was already leading 4:0 in the fourth set, but still lost the set in the tie-break.

Lorenzo Musetti had to admit defeat. © ANSA / CJ GUNTHER

The day before, the world number three and number 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz from Spain was also completely unexpectedly eliminated in the second round against the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp (SportNews reported).