Shock Alert: Alexei Popyrin Set to Challenge Novak Djokovic – Can the Underdog Upset the Defending Champion?
Alexei Popyrin will face defending US Open champion Novak Djokovic in the third round on Friday. The Australian has breezed through the first two rounds with straight-set victories over Kwon Soon-woo and Pedro Martinez. Popyrin’s impressive form includes a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 win over Martinez in the second round. This year marks Popyrin’s…
Alexei Popyrin will face defending US Open champion Novak Djokovic in the third round on Friday. The Australian has breezed through the first two rounds with straight-set victories over Kwon Soon-woo and Pedro Martinez. Popyrin’s impressive form includes a commanding 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 win over Martinez in the second round.
This year marks Popyrin’s best performance at the US Open so far, having previously exited in the third round in 2019 and 2021. Although he has advanced to this stage, he now faces a significant challenge against Djokovic, who recently defeated him at Wimbledon.
While Djokovic has not been at his best in the early rounds, he has still managed to secure victories. In his opener against Radu Albot, Djokovic struggled with his serve, recording 10 double faults, and faced similar issues against Laslo Djere, who retired while Djokovic was ahead 6-4, 6-4, 2-0.
Despite these struggles, Djokovic remains unbeaten in his last eight matches, all without dropping a set, following his loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon. His last Tour defeat before that was to Tomas Machac in May. Djokovic will look to continue his winning streak and prevent Popyrin from reaching the fourth round of a Major for the first time.
