Novak Djokovic knocked out of US Open third round by Alexei Popyrin

Djokovic had five break-point chances in the opening set but failed to convert any of them, while Popyrin broke serve on his first opportunity for a 5-4 lead before grabbing the first set.

Popyrin broke again in the second when Djokovic’s forehand volley landed wide for a 3-2 advantage. He took control of the match with a perfectly executed serve and volley to capture the second set.

The second-seeded Djokovic showed some life in the third when he broke serve with a forehand that Popyrin could not handle and took the set to claw his way back into the match.

But the comeback proved short-lived, with Popyrin letting out a mighty roar when he crushed a ferocious forehand winner for a break of serve and a 3-2 lead in the fourth. He completed the upset when Djokovic’s forehand sailed long on match point.

Djokovic was uncharacteristically sloppy in the contest, issuing 14 double faults, a record for him in a Grand Slam match.

The upset on Arthur Ashe Stadium came one night after third seed and tournament favourite Carlos Alcaraz, who finished runner-up to Djokovic at the Paris Games, was stunned in straight sets by unseeded Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

Next up for Popyrin is a fourth-round meeting with American Frances Tiafoe.