Australian Alexei Popyrin has proved third time’s a charm this season with Novak Djokovic, conquering the No.2 seed in the third round at the US Open.

Seeded for the first time at a major, Popyrin defeated Djokovic 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4 after three hours and 19 minutes on New York’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Popyrin stunned the defending champion — claiming the opening two sets before Djokovic wrestled back some control to claim the third.

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With the Serbian riding high off the back of claiming an elusive gold medal at Paris 2024 earlier this month, Djokovic broke in the opening game of the third set and consolidated.

But proving his resilience, Popyrin broke back in the fifth game.

Not willing to go quietly, Djokovic responded by breaking again to set up a tense fourth-set showdown.

Seeking to swing the momentum, Popyrin required four break points to secure the fifth game and draw one step closer to a maiden fourth-round appearance at Flushing Meadows.

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The pair had already met twice in grand slams this year with Djokovic defeating Popyrin in four sets in the second round of the Australian Open, before again stopping him in four sets in the third round at Wimbledon.

But on this day, Popyrin would not allow history to repeat itself.

“We’ve had some battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had my chances in those matches but couldn’t take them,” Popyrin said post-match

“This match was a little bit different, I was able to take my chances when I had them and play some good tennis.”

Thriving off a new-found confidence, Popyrin has emerged as a powerful force this season.

Having never progressed to the fourth round at a grand slam, Popyrin was ecstatic.

“It’s unbelievable. I’ve been in the third round like 15 times in my career but I haven’t been able to get past to the fourth round, and to be able to do it against the greatest of all time is unbelievable,” he said.

“It’s a great feeling having all the hard work pay off.”

The 25-year-old recently broke through for his first ATP Masters 1000 crown in Montreal.

En route to the biggest title win of his career, Popyrin beat five consecutive top-20 players — including three inside the top 10.

Popyrin will next play American Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round.