Alexei Popyrin leads Novak Djokovic at the US Open | ATP Tour

Match Report

Popyrin leads Djokovic, but Serbian fights back

Big-hitting Aussie leads defending champion

August 31, 2024

Alexei Popyrin is threatening to deliver the second shocking US Open upset in as many nights after taking a two-sets lead over defending champion Novak Djokovic inside Arthur Ashe Stadium Friday night.

Bringing the same brand of Big-Man Tennis to Arthur Ashe Stadium as he rode to victory to claim his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Montreal earlier this month, the Australian outmuscled Djokovic on serve and from the baseline with a fearless brand of tennis that took him to a 6-4, 6-4 lead.

But Djokovic hit back in the third set, which he took 6-2 after going 3/3 on break point chances.

Less than 24 hours ago third seed and 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz crashed out of the tournament, beaten in straight sets by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

Djokovic has rallied from two sets down to claim victory eight times during his career, most recently in the same round (and from the same 4-6, 4-6 scoreline) at the US Open last year against fellow Serbian Laslo Djere, whom he defeated two days ago in the second round.

Chasing a record-extending 25th major title, the 37-year-old is playing his first tournament since winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Djokovic won three Grand Slam titles last year and reached all four finals at the majors. The last year he did not taste Grand Slam glory in a season was in 2017.