Novak Djokovic admits to 'worst tennis ever' in shock US Open exit

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, aged 37, acknowledged that he had played "his worst tennis ever" as he faced his earliest exit from the US Open in 18 years on Friday, raising further concerns about his long-term prospects in the sport.

Djokovic, a four-time titleholder in New York, was defeated 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 by 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin from Australia, leaving him once again just short of achieving a record 25th Grand Slam title.

This loss, characterized by an unusual 14 double faults and 49 unforced errors, marks the first time since 2017 that he will conclude the season without a Grand Slam title.

"The way I played from the beginning of the tournament, reaching the third round, is a success," remarked a dejected Djokovic, who remains tied with Margaret Court at 24 Slam titles.

"I have played some of my worst tennis ever."

Djokovic conceded that the effort and aftermath of securing Olympic gold in Paris just four weeks prior had an impact on his disappointing performance in New York.

"Obviously, it had an effect. I expended a great deal of energy winning the gold, and I arrived in New York not feeling fresh, both mentally and physically.

"However, because it is the US Open, I gave it a shot and tried my best. I did not experience any physical issues; I simply felt drained."

This latest setback occurs in a year where Jannik Sinner succeeded him as the Australian Open champion, followed by Carlos Alcaraz taking his French Open title and defeating him in the Wimbledon final.

After defeating Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals, Sinner also claimed the world number one ranking, which Djokovic had held for a total of 428 weeks.

A knee injury that necessitated surgery forced Djokovic to withdraw from the French Open just before his quarter-final match.

His recovery was not sufficient to prevent Alcaraz from securing an eighth Wimbledon title.

His recovery was insufficient to stop Alcaraz from securing an eighth Wimbledon title.

The remarkable outcome on Friday signifies that, for the first time since 2002, none of the Grand Slam titles will have been claimed by any of the 'Big Three'—Djokovic, the absent Rafael Nadal, or the retired Roger Federer.

Djokovic's departure on Friday dealt another significant blow to the US Open, following Alcaraz's unexpected defeat in the second round on Thursday.

"I played some good tennis," remarked Popyrin, who was supported in his player's box by Lleyton Hewitt, the individual who famously upset Djokovic in the third round in New York in 2006.

"Reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam by defeating the greatest of all time is simply unbelievable."

For Djokovic, the only silver lining in a challenging year was his Olympic gold medal victory in Paris earlier in August.

He referred to that emotionally charged triumph over Alcaraz as his "greatest achievement," as he became only the sixth player to accomplish the Golden Slam, which includes winning all four majors and Olympic gold.

This title, marking the 99th of his career, may ultimately be remembered as his final significant achievement.

Should he continue competing into 2025 and secure an 11th Australian Open title in January, he would become the oldest male Grand Slam champion in the modern era.

On Friday, Djokovic paid dearly for not converting five break points during the sixth game of the opening set against Popyrin, who is 12 years younger.

The Australian, however, faced no such difficulties in the ninth game, successfully converting a single break point before confidently serving to win the first set.

Popyrin had previously lost to Djokovic at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, but arrived in New York invigorated after winning his first Masters title in Montreal.

That confidence on hard courts was evident as he broke for 3-2 in the second set, maintained the lead at 4-2, and ultimately secured the set with a decisive serve and volley.

Nevertheless, Djokovic summoned all his resilience to narrow the gap with two breaks of his own in the third set.

An energized Popyrin took a 3-2 lead in the fourth set, achieving a break of serve with a powerful forehand, followed by an exhilarating roar that resonated throughout the expansive Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Popyrin quickly established a double break advantage, although Djokovic managed to recover one of the breaks.

Nevertheless, Popyrin was resolute in his pursuit, ultimately securing a significant victory that could signify a turning point for Djokovic.

"Life continues," remarked the Serbian player. "I will attempt to recalibrate and seek what lies ahead. Tomorrow brings a new day."