After falling to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, Alexei Popyrin was eager to topple the legend at last year's US Open. The Aussie believed in his chances and produced a stunner, ousting the Serb 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in three hours and 19 minutes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking about his career-best victory, Popyrin explained his tactic to bring the crowd to his side and take the rhythm away from the 24-time Major winner. Alexei pumped up the crowd and used those vibes against the greatest player of all time.
Djokovic claimed the elusive Olympic Games gold medal a few weeks earlier in Paris. Novak could not find motivation at the US Open despite pushing Alexei to the limits. However, that lost did not bother him much after completing the game of tennis with the 15th notable trophy in his collection.
Popyrin claimed his first Masters 1000 crown in Canada a few weeks before the US Open. He gathered a boost and shined in his third Major duel of the season against Djokovic. The Aussie presented determination at Arthur Ashe Stadium and moved into the last 16.
The lower-ranked player took three points more than the veteran and outplayed him in the pivotal moments. Alexei went for his shots and delivered the more efficient numbers at the net, finishing the duel with 50 winners and errors.
ADVERTISEMENT
Djokovic could not follow that pace after spraying 14 double faults. Unlike in Melbourne and London, Novak could not draw the best from his initial shot, struggling and ending his campaign in the third round. Djokovic earned 16 break points and seized four.
Popyrin generated 12 break points and seized five, doing enough to emerge at the top and reach the last 16 at Majors for the first time. The Serb squandered five break points in the seventh game of the opener, missing a chance to move in front.
The Aussie claimed ten straight points from 3-4, earninga break at love in game nine and wrapping uo the opener with a fine hold at 5-4. Alexei served well in the second set and mounted the pressure on Novak.
The defending champion suffered a break in the fifth game and could not erase the deficit. Popyrin provided three fine holds and moved 6-4, 6-4 in front. Novak stepped in and dominated the third set with three breaks. The veteran claimed it 6-2 and improved his chances.
ADVERTISEMENT
Djokovic missed his opportunities at the beginning of the fourth set and got broken at 2-2. Popyrin saved two break points in the sixth game to cement the advantage and move closer to the finish line.
The Serb missed game points in the seventh game and suffered another break that sent him to the verge of exit door. The veteran made a push on the return in the eighth game and pulled one break back. Novak held in game nine, moving 5-4 behind.
However, Alexei served for the win in game ten and held at love, toppling the defending champion and celebrating his career-best victory.
"The crowd always supports the underdog, and I played on that card. I pumped up the crowd and used that energy, knowing Novak did not like that. I had my chances against him in Melbourne and London but could not capitalize on them. I knew I had to take my chances in New York, which I did," Alexei Popyrin said.
