Australian News Today

Popyrin makes history and dethrones Djokovic in epic US Open clash

Popyrin makes history and dethrones Djokovic in epic US Open clash

Australian tennis player Alexei Popyrin has just knocked Novak Djokovic out of the US Open in a clinical performance.

Claiming the first two sets without bring broken, Popyrin took home the third round clash with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6 and 6-4 in his greatest win on the tour.

Played in prime-time across the United States, Popyrin de-throned the 24-time major champion in three hours and 18 minutes.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Popyrin let himself go in the post-match celebrations as the local crowd embraced the achievement from the Aussie star.

Popyrin joins mentor Lleyton Hewitt as the only two Australians to beat Djokovic in a grand slam match.

Speaking after the match, the 25-year-old says he took great experience from the last time he faced Djokovic in grand slam tennis.

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

“This match was a little different. I was able to take my chances when I had them.

“It’s unbelievable because I’ve been in the third round about 15 times but I haven’t been able to get past that point – to do so against the greatest player of all time to get into the fourth round is unbelievable.”