Novak Djokovic’s Disappointing U.S. Open Exit
NEW YORK — It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Twenty-six days after winning Olympic gold in Paris, Novak Djokovic faced a stunning third-round defeat to Alexei Popyrin at the U.S. Open, wrapping up his second-least profitable Grand Slam season since 2009. With months left in the 2024 tennis calendar, Djokovic could end the year without a Tour-level title for the first time since 2005, despite achieving what he describes as the “greatest achievement of his career.”
Age and Challenges Impacting Djokovic’s Performance
At 37 years old, the effects of time are becoming evident. Although he remains able to display brilliance at times, he is no longer able to maintain that performance throughout an entire season. Noteworthy players who have recently defeated him include Alejandro Tabilo, Tomas Machac, Luca Nardi, and now Popyrin. His defeats against Jannik Sinner in Australia and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon were particularly one-sided, highlighting a shift in his competitive edge. However, reaching the Wimbledon final just weeks after knee surgery demonstrated that he can still compete at high levels, even if he faces challenges in maintaining consistent performance.
The match against Popyrin occurred in front of 24,000 fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite recovering from surgery, Djokovic’s recent physical exertion has impacted his game. His tactical skills and striking ability remain, but he struggled significantly with his serve throughout the tournament, clocking in only 52 percent of first serves and tallying 32 double faults over three rounds.
Reflection on Olympic Victory and Future Aspirations
After his defeat, Djokovic expressed disappointment with his performance, acknowledging a lack of freshness both mentally and physically after the intense energy required to secure Olympic gold. “I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly, serving by far the worst ever,” he remarked. Nevertheless, he pushed to compete at the U.S. Open, an event he holds in high regard.
While Djokovic’s Olympic victory cannot be understated, it is juxtaposed with a disappointing overall year. Injuries and external factors, such as being struck by a water bottle in Rome, complicated his performance. He will enter the upcoming Australian Open aiming to reclaim the title he has won 10 times, but this loss to Popyrin marks a trend in his performances this year rather than a mere aberration.
Looking Ahead: 2024 and Beyond
In a larger perspective, Djokovic acknowledged the need to be pleased with his Olympic success, even if the year did not meet his usual standards. As he prepares for 2024, it will be crucial to see if he can reset his competitive goals and find happiness in adjusting to the evolving landscape of his career. His adaptability in facing the challenges of age and competition will be a defining narrative for tennis in the coming years.
(Top photo: Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images)
Source and credits: www.nytimes.com
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