Australia’s capturing star Alexei Popyrin has shattered Novak Djokovic’s newest quest for tennis immortality with a third-round US Open triumph in New York.
The background: Popyrin sensationally snapped Djokovic’s 18-year grand slam successful streak over Australians with a 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 victory below the brilliant lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday evening (native time).
Djokovic had denied Popyrin in 4 units at each Wimbledon and the Australian Open this yr.
The important thing quote: “Third time fortunate, I suppose,” Popyrin stated.
“It is unbelievable as a result of I have been within the third spherical about 15 instances however I have never been in a position to get previous to the fourth spherical in my profession.
“And to have the ability to do it towards the best of all time, to get in to the fourth spherical is unbelievable.”
Novak Djokovic shakes palms with Alexei Popyrin after the Australian’s third spherical match win on the US Open. Supply: AAP / Julia Nikhinson/AP
What else to know: As he was on the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic had been determined to interrupt Margaret Court docket’s all-time document of 24 singles majors with a fifth title at Flushing Meadows.
Fittingly, Australian champion and Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt was in Popyrin’s courtside field for the largest win of his profession.
Not since Hewitt within the US Open third spherical in 2006, when Djokovic was solely 19, had an Australian conquered the longest-serving world primary at a grand slam.
What occurs subsequent: As a substitute, 25-year-old Popyrin can himself dream massive after sending the world No.2 packing to storm into the final 16 of a slam for the primary time.
Djokovic’s subsequent likelihood to surpass Court docket’s grand slam tally will come at Melbourne Park in January on the Australian Open.
