BREAKING: Novak Djokovic picks US Open title contenders after shock exit
During the post-match press conference, Novak Djokovic named the favourite to win the US Open this year.
Novak Djokovic didn’t have a good day on Saturday, losing in the third round to Alexei Popyrin. Djokovic is fatigued and exhausted after winning gold at the Paris Olympics earlier this month.
He was aiming to become the first player in tennis history to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles going into the US Open. Instead, he concluded 2024 without winning at least one major championship, the first time since 2017.
Popyrin was in top form as he won 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. During the post-match press conference, Djokovic named the favourite to win the US Open this year. He stated, “Popyrin defeated me deservedly; if he serves like he did and plays effectively, he can beat anyone. Alcaraz is out, and thus far this tournament has been full of surprises. Jannik Sinner is now the frontrunner, but Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz are playing well and have the potential to surprise, as are Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov.”
Following his defeat, Djokovic stated, “It’s hard to see the big picture right now.” You’re just angry and frustrated about losing and the way you played. That’s all. However, tomorrow is a new day. I will surely consider what to do next.”
This is also the first season since 2002 that none of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer will win a Grand Slam championship in a single year.
This year, Djokovic lost in the Australian Open semi-finals, withdrew before the French Open quarterfinals due to a right knee procedure, and lost against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. Meanwhile, he won gold in Paris.
Even Carlos Alcaraz has been eliminated, losing 1-6 5-7 4-6 against Botic van de Zandschulp on Thursday. Even the Spaniard seems weary following his Paris 2024 campaign.
