Novak Djokovic was eliminated early at the US Open. © APA / SARAH STIER

Questions about Djokovic: Early US Open exit as end of era?

Novak Djokovic looked tired. Around midnight, after the painfully early exit from the US Open, the 37-year-old superstar repeatedly ran his fingers over his eyes and was mercilessly critical of himself.

September 01, 2024

From: dpa/sn

"It was a terrible match from me," said the most successful professional in tennis history. "At times I played my worst tennis ever, and served worse than ever."

The exceptional nature of the 4:6, 4:6, 6:2, 4:6 defeat in the third round against the Australian Alexei Popyrin can be best explained by a few historical milestones: Djokovic failed earlier at the US Open than he has since 2006. For the first time since 2017, the record Grand Slam tournament winner will end a season without a triumph at one of the four biggest tournaments. And it could even be his first year without a title on the ATP Tour since 2005. "I had no gas left in the tank," Djokovic summed up.

Zverev also surprises

This also surprised Alexander Zverev when he saw Djokovic's elimination on the giant screen in the Louis Armstrong Stadium during his own round of 16 appearance. "He was always one of the fittest on the tour throughout his career," said the Hamburg native.

Alexei Popyrin (r.) beat Djokovic in New York. © APA / SARAH STIER

The New York Times described the inevitable question that must be asked in view of the lackluster performance: "Father Time is unbeaten. At the age of 37, this could perhaps be the moment that always had to come." Will the era of Djokovic as the long-standing dominator of the tennis scene soon end? And with it the era of the big three of modern tennis with the long-retired Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who is about to retire? Together, the trio won 66
Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic lost in the semifinals of the Australian Open this season, withdrew before the quarterfinals of the French Open to undergo surgery on his right knee and then lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.

Will there be Grand Slam title number 25?

The record number of 24 Grand Slam titles won will remain unmatched for the time being. Will there be 25 more? "It's difficult to look at the big picture right now," said Djokovic when asked about his achievements. "Tomorrow is a new day and I will think about what I do next."

“If you let up just a little bit, it will have a big impact on the end result.” Jannik Sinner

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz is almost certain to take part in the year-end tournament of the eight best professionals of the season in November in Turin. But the 21-year-old - who lost to Djokovic in the final in Paris - also suffered a sensational second-round defeat at the US Open and also spoke of a lack of energy.

"This shows that this sport is unpredictable," said world number one Jannik Sinner from Italy about the failure of the two favorites. "If you let up just a little bit, whether mentally, physically or in your tennis game, it will have a big impact on the result in the end."