Novak Djokovic suffers shocking loss in US Open 3R a day after Carlos Alcaraz waves unexpected goodbye

Novak Djokovic faced a similar fate to Carlos Alcaraz at the 2024 US Open, as he was eliminated just a day after Alcaraz’s second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp. The Serbian star was defeated by Alexei Popyrin in the third round, adding another surprising twist to this year’s tournament.

Alexei Popyrin, fresh off his first Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open, started strong in the night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, August 30. Despite facing five break points in his third service game of the first set, he managed to hold firm. Popyrin then capitalized on his first break point opportunity in the ninth game (5-4), breaking Djokovic’s serve and subsequently holding his own to secure the opening set 6-4.

Popyrin maintained his momentum in the second set, breaking Djokovic in the fifth game to secure a two-sets-to-love lead, 6-4, 6-4. However, in typical Novak Djokovic fashion, the 24-time Grand Slam champion mounted a strong comeback in the third set, breaking the Australian twice to take it 6-2 and push the match to a fourth set.

Despite this resurgence, Djokovic struggled to keep up with the younger Popyrin, who broke him twice to go up 5-2.

Although Djokovic managed a brief comeback to 5-4, Popyrin held his nerve and closed out the match 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, advancing to the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.

Carlos Alcaraz’s Struggles After Olympic Gold Loss: A Dip in Form or Temporary Setback?

Carlos Alcaraz’s Struggles After Olympic Gold Loss: A Dip in Form or Temporary Setback?

Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star in the world of tennis, has faced an unexpected dip in his performance following his disappointing loss at the Olympics. The young Spaniard, who many touted as a future Grand Slam champion, experienced a series of setbacks, starting with a surprising defeat to 37-year-old Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open. This was followed by an early exit from the US Open, where he was knocked out in straight sets. This marked his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2021 Wimbledon Championships.

For a player like Alcaraz, who has dazzled fans and critics alike with his aggressive baseline play and relentless energy, these recent performances have raised concerns. Some fans and analysts believe that Alcaraz is still grappling with the emotional fallout of his Olympic loss, which could be affecting his confidence and composure on the court. Others speculate that a possible ankle injury sustained during a practice session at the US Open may have hindered his performance, causing him to play below his usual high standards.

The Gael Monfils Upset: A Sign of Waning Confidence?

The defeat to Gael Monfils in Cincinnati was particularly surprising. At 37, Monfils is considered a veteran in the sport, and while he is known for his athleticism and flair, he has not been in peak form in recent years. Alcaraz, on the other hand, entered the match with momentum and the backing of many who believed he would dominate the aging Frenchman. However, Monfils’ experience and ability to control the rhythm of the game seemed to fluster Alcaraz, who struggled to find his footing and eventually succumbed in straight sets.

This loss was a stark contrast to Alcaraz’s usual game, characterized by powerful groundstrokes and remarkable agility. His performance appeared lackluster, and he seemed to lack the mental resilience that has been a hallmark of his young career. The shock defeat raised questions about whether the pressure of being a top-tier player had begun to weigh on him.

The US Open: An Ankle Injury or Mental Hurdles?

The disappointment in Cincinnati was compounded by his early exit at the US Open, a tournament many expected him to excel in. Alcaraz’s defeat in straight sets not only stunned his fans but also marked a worrying trend in his recent form. Many observers have speculated that his struggles could be traced back to an ankle injury he reportedly sustained during practice. The injury, if severe, may have affected his movement and prevented him from performing at his best.

However, there are also whispers within the tennis community that Alcaraz’s struggles may be more psychological than physical. The Olympics is a significant event, and losing out on a medal could have had a profound impact on his mental state. Many fans argue that he is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of the Olympic loss, which could explain his erratic performances since then.

A Temporary Blip or a Cause for Concern?

While it is easy to get caught up in the recent setbacks, it is essential to remember that Carlos Alcaraz is still very young and in the early stages of his career. Every athlete goes through phases of struggle and growth, and Alcaraz is no exception. He has shown resilience in the past, bouncing back from difficult defeats, and there is every reason to believe he can do so again.

As he works to recover from both the physical and mental hurdles that seem to be affecting his game, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how he responds. Whether his recent performances are a mere blip or indicative of deeper issues remains to be seen. For now, it’s a test of character for a young player who has already shown that he has the potential to be one of the greats in the game.