After the sensational elimination of Carlos Alcaraz in opposition to Botic Van de Zandschulp, the US Open has misplaced one other protagonist: Novak Djokovic, who suffered a surprising defeat by Alexei Popyrin. The Canadian, seeded quantity 28 of the event, is taking part in his greatest tennis this summer time, during which he additionally received the Nationwide Financial institution Open in Montreal.
The winner of the Canadian Open defeated the Serbian champion in 4 units with the rating of 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4. Nole appeared removed from his greatest situations, however his rival performed top-level tennis and was in a position to make the distinction in some key moments of the match.
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Within the post-match press convention, the Serbian champion analyzed the progress of the problem and the causes that led to his untimely elimination from the New York Main. Djokovic mentioned that successful the Olympic gold actually had an impact linked to the defeat on the US Open.
“I spent loads of vitality to win the gold medal at Paris Olympics and I got here to New York not feeling recent mentally and bodily. I got here not feeling recent mentally or bodily. Since it is the US Open, I attempted. I had no bodily issues. I simply felt out of fuel. You may see it in the way in which I performed from the start. From the primary match I did not really feel in any respect on this court docket. That is all I can say. Life goes on. I will attempt to recalibrate and see what occurs subsequent,” he analyzed
The Serb then congratulated his rival and his group, making additionally a prediction on the eventual winner of the US Open: “I performed a number of the worst tennis I’ve ever performed. The serve was by far one of many worst ever. On a quick floor like this, you’ll be able to’t win and not using a serve. You may’t win in opposition to guys in form like Alexei. It was a horrible match for me. Kudos to him and his group. He performed higher and deserved to win. Truthfully, the way in which I felt and performed from the start of the event, the third spherical is a hit.
Can Popyrin win the US Open? I do not know what to consider that query. He simply beat me, the defending champion right here, so, I imply, he deserves credit score for that and respect. If he serves effectively, performs effectively, he can beat anyone. Look, Alcaraz is out, I am out, you understand, some massive upset. The draw is opening up. Clearly Jannik Sinner is the large favourite, Frances Tiafoe, and you’ve got the American favourite Taylor Fritz. Alexander Zverev, you have got massive guys taking part in effectively, and Andrey Rublev, Grigor Dimitrov on this a part of the draw. Anybody can take him. It will be fascinating to see who takes the title in the long run.”
