- Alexei Popyrin achieved a monumental victory by defeating Novak Djokovic 3-1
- Djokovic admitted it was “a terrible match for me” as he committed 14 double faults
- Popyrin advances to the quarterfinals to face American Frances Tiafoe
Tennis fans have criticised Alexei Popyrin for his celebrations after he pulled off a major upset by beating Novak Djokovic in the third round of the US Open men’s singles tournament.
The Australian, ranked 28th in the ATP rankings, let out a roar and raised his arms in the air at Arthur Ashe Stadium after claiming a 3-1 victory over the Olympic champion.
The 25-year-old has never beaten world No. 2 Djokovic in his career. The pair had met three times previously, with Popyrin taking a two-set lead before pulling off a huge upset by winning 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
“It was a terrible match for me,” said Djokovic. Earlier this week, the Serbian had confirmed that he had suffered an abdominal problem during the tournament in Flushing Meadows.
But the Serbian did not look his best during Friday night’s match, committing no less than 14 double faults, which Popyrin took advantage of.
Alexei Popyrin has been criticised for his celebrations after claiming a 3-1 win over Novak Djokovic
Djokovic admitted it was “a terrible match for me” after committing 14 double faults
As the match progressed, Popyrin grew in confidence and roared to the crowd after breaking Djokovic’s serve in the fourth set before booking his place in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
But some were not happy with his celebrations; one wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Popyrin really drove me crazy with his ways.”
Another wrote: “No kidding, I was a little upset. I was hoping Novak would come back and win just to shut him up, but Pop (Popyrin) just played one of those matches and Novak didn’t look anywhere near his normal level.
‘From his first match, it looked like (Djokovic) couldn’t find that level.’
Another fan appeared to spark a debate on the social media platform, seemingly criticising Popyrin, writing: “Yes! You scream! You celebrate! You beat a 37-year-old man who has been celebrating his gold medal for far too long!”
‘The one who made 14 double faults and couldn’t find the first serve because of abdominal problems! You scream! You pump your fist! You did well!’
But one fan hit back, citing Djokovic’s history of celebrating against injured opponents, including Roger Federer.
After breaking the world No. 2’s serve in the fourth set, Popyrin let out a huge roar to the fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
But fans were left divided online, with some criticising the Australian for his celebrations while others disagreed.
“Are you serious now?” User X replied. “Because that’s how Novak Djokovic celebrated against a clearly injured and impaired Federer at the 2020 AO.
“What Popyrin did was not as bad as what Djokovic did here.”
Another added: “No one is or will ever be close to Djokovic, the greatest of all time. I’ve never seen Pop play with such power and speed… and move so well, I’m sure he got a good massage.”
Popyrin delivered a clinical performance to sweep aside the 24-time Grand Slam winner, hitting 50 winners past Djokovic to set up a quarter-final clash against American Frances Tiafoe.
It was the third time Popyrin and Djokovic met at a Grand Slam tournament, having also met in Tokyo in 2019.
It is the first time Popyrin has beaten the 24-time Grand Slam champion, and he will advance to the quarter-finals to face Frances Tiafoe.
Djokovic will now have to wait until next year for a chance at his 25th Grand Slam title.
“I guess third time’s the charm,” Popyrin said. “We had battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
“In those matches I had opportunities, but I didn’t take advantage of them. This match was different. I was able to take advantage of them when I had them. I played good tennis.”