The pursuit of Olympic gold seemed to have drained Novak Djokovic, as he crashed out of the US Open in a shock third-round defeat to Australian Alexei Popyrin. This comes just weeks after his biggest career achievement at the Olympics, where he beat rival Carlos Alcaraz in the finale. However, both Djokovic and Alcaraz now hold unwanted records at the US Open, with Djokovic suffering his earliest exit from the tournament since 2006 and Alcaraz following suit with a stunning straight-sets defeat by world number 74 Botic van de Zandschulp.
Novak Djokovic's Shock Third-Round Exit at the US Open
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic's US Open run came to an abrupt end in the third round, marking his earliest exit from the tournament since 2006. The 21-time Grand Slam champion was surprisingly defeated by unseeded Australian Alexei Popyrin, 7-6(5), 7-5, 7-6(4).
Gold Medal Pursuit Takes Its Toll
Djokovic's disappointing performance at the US Open has been attributed, in part, to the physical and mental exertion required to pursue his first Olympic gold medal in men's singles at the Tokyo Games. In what was arguably his most significant career achievement, Djokovic defeated rising star Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling three-set final in Tokyo.
Unwanted Records
Djokovic's premature exit was not the only notable loss at the US Open. Alcaraz, who Djokovic defeated for the Olympic title, also exited in the third round, suffering a stunning upset at the hands of world number 74 Botic van de Zandschulp. As a result, Djokovic and Alcaraz now share the distinction of holding the unwanted record for the earliest exits by the reigning Olympic men's and women's singles champions at the US Open.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Novak Djokovic lose in the third round of the US Open?
Djokovic cited the physical and mental demands of winning the Olympic gold medal as contributing factors to his early exit.
2. Who defeated Novak Djokovic?
Australian Alexei Popyrin upset Djokovic in the third round, winning in three close sets.
3. What is Djokovic's earliest exit from the US Open before this year?
Djokovic's previous earliest exit from the US Open was in the third round in 2006, when he lost to Andy Roddick.
4. Who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open?
World number 74 Botic van de Zandschulp defeated Alcaraz in straight sets in the third round.
5. What is the significance of Djokovic and Alcaraz's early exits?
Djokovic and Alcaraz now hold the record for the earliest exits by the reigning Olympic men's and women's singles champions at the US Open.
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