"Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz out, that opens up a lot of space": Jimmy Connors on how duo's early exits benefit Americans to win US Open
Defending champion Novak Djokovic and 2022 winner Carlos Alcaraz both faced surprising early exits at the 2024 US Open. Tennis legend Jimmy Connors believes their absence has opened the door for other players, particularly the Americans, to seize the opportunity and win their Home Slam.
Alcaraz began his campaign with a four-set victory over Li Tu. However, his journey was cut short when he was defeated 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 by unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round.
Meanwhile, Djokovic registered two solid wins over Radu Albot and Laslo Djere (W/O), but Alexei Popyrin knocked him out in the third round with a score of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
Jimmy Connors and his son Brett discussed Djokovic and Alcaraz's early exits during the latest episode of their 'Advantage Connors' podcast. The eight-time Major champion remarked that with the two top players out, the path is clear for Americans to make a strong push at the New York Major.
"I mean, they are young, they are big, they are strong and before I would say they didn't have quite a healthy experience, but they do now to know what it is like to get into the second week of a Grand Slam. You can't win the tournament in the first week, but you can certainly lose it," Jimmy said (at 28:55).
"Now, they made it into the second week. This is when you separate the top from the rest. With those four guys, [Novak] Djokovic is out, and Carlos [Alcaraz] is out, that opens up a whole lot of space for a lot of guys to come through. What an opportunity with those two guys out!" he added.
Among American male tennis players still in the race are Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe, and Brandon Nakashima. Fritz has secured his spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Casper Ruud, while the others have yet to do so.
Novak Djokovic on US Open 2024 3R loss: "I played some of the worst tennis I’ve ever played"
Novak Djokovic spoke at a press conference following his loss to Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the 2024 US Open. He congratulated the Aussie on his win but expressed frustration with his own performance.
"Congrats to him (Popyrin) and his team. He played better and deserved to win. Honestly, with the way I felt and played from the start of the tournament… round 3 is a success," the Serb said.
Djokovic added:
"I played some of the worst tennis I’ve ever played. Serving by far some of the worst ever. On a quick surface like this, you can’t win without a serve. You can’t win against the guys who are in form like Alexei. It was just an awful match from me."
This marks the first time since 2017 that the 24-time Grand Slam champion will finish a season without winning a Major.