- Popyrin had already been defeated twice by Novak in a Grand Slam this year
- Came into the match full of confidence after the first round victories
- The former world number 1 was dismantled outside the shocked Arthur Ashe Stadium
Australia’s Alexei Popyrin has pulled off the biggest boilover of his career after knocking Novak Djokovic off the court at the US Open on Saturday.
Popyrin sensationally snapped Djokovic’s 18-year Grand Slam winning streak against the Australians with a spectacular 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 victory at the fierce Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 28th-seeded player, who has had an injury-plagued career, showed no fear of the 24-time Grand Slam winner and second-seeded player, who had just won gold at the Paris Olympics.
Popyrin produced a dream match by braving the scorching heat to beat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 6-2 6-4 6-0 in the second round. He had not lost a set before the thrilling match against Djokovic.
Alexei Popyrin had lost to Djokovic twice at Grand Slams this year, but turned the tide at Flushing Meadows in New York
After taking a month-long break between winning an elusive Olympic gold medal in Paris and arriving in New York with an eye on an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam, Djokovic found himself 2-0 down against the Australian.
Popyrin had already lost to Djokovic twice this year, at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. In the third round, he was paired against the former world number 1 again at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“This time luck was on our side,” said the elated Australian star.
“Of course I also fought against him, for example at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had the chance to play in those matches, but I didn’t use them.
‘This time I took my chance and played good tennis.
‘I’ve made it to the third round about 15 times, but I’ve never made it past the fourth round.
“For them to take on the greatest of all time and make it to the fourth round is unbelievable.”
Australian Alexei Popyrin is through to the fourth round of the US Open after a huge upset against Serbian Novak Djokovic
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was defeated by the Australian in four sets
Djokovic came back to take a 3-0 lead before winning the third set with ease. You could feel the tide turning and the 24-time Grand Slam winner pulled off another great escape.
Popyrin had the match under control at 5-2 in the fourth set, but the Serbian superstar pushed hard and eventually secured a break.
However, it only delayed the inevitable as the Australian set up three match points and eventually enjoyed a major success after recording the biggest win of his career to date.
Popyrin rose to the challenge, however, breaking Djokovic’s serve twice to take a dominant 4-2 lead in the potentially decisive set.
Popyrin will face the winner of the American match between 13th-seeded Ben Shelton and 20th-seeded Frances Tiafoe.
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