Novak Djokovic press conference: Everything Serb said after shocking US Open 2024 3R
Novak Djokovic’s quest for an elusive 25th Grand Slam title continues after his shocking third-round defeat to Alexei Popyrin at the 2024 US Open. The Australian, #28 seed, stunned the tennis world with an exhilarating 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory over the defending champion in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night.
The defeat marked Djokovic's earliest exit from the New York major in 18 years. It was also the first time since 2017 that he's gone an entire season without winning a Grand Slam, and his earliest exit in the majors since the 2017 Australian Open.
Speaking to the press dejectedly after the loss, Djokovic said that the situation was better than it seemed, given his poor overall form in New York this year.
"On my end, honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success," Djokovic was quoted as saying.
He was, however, extremely critical of his overall performance, especially his serve, describing it all as some of his "worst tennis".
"I mean I've played some of the worst tennis I've ever played. Serving by far the worst ever. So yeah, if you play on a quick surface like this without the serve, without the ability to win free points there, very low first serve percentage, many doubles faults, then you know can't win. I mean you can't win especially against the guys who are in form like Alexei, who is serving big and pouts a lot of pressure on your service. So yeah, it was just an awful match for me," Djokovic added.
When asked whether his participation in the Olympics and winning the event had any side effects on his US Open preparations, he responded:
"Obviously it had an effect. I mean I spent a lot of energy winning the gold and I did arrive to New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically, but because it is US Open I gave it a shot and I tried my best, I mean I didn't have any physical issues, I just felt out of gas and you could see that the way I played from the very beginning, from the first match I just didn't find myself at all on this court, and it is all I can say."
"You could argue that it's because of the Olympics, but I don't want to analyze that right now," he continued.
Talking to the press, he also divulged how his recent struggles stem from moving away from the basics and the mental challenges, making it difficult for him to play his best despite being physically fit and motivated.
"Well, I tried so many things and sometimes that's an issue. You move away from the basics that work and then you lose the foundation, you lose the movement, the timing, the rhythm, the tempo, everything. It was just a big struggle mentally for me to play these three matches here because I wasn't even playing close to my best," he said.
"He can beat anybody" - Novak Djokovic rates Alexei Popyrin's chances for the crown
In his post-match press conference, Novak Djokovic praised Alexei Popyrin and admitted that his younger counterpart outplayed him.
"Congrats to Alexei and his team, he definitely played better and deserved to win today," Djokovic was quoted as saying.
When asked whether Popyrin could win the title, Djokovic attributed his success to his strong serve and said that if he continues to play this way, he has a chance of beating anyone.
"I mean look he's just beaten me, the defending champion here. So he deserves credit for that and respect. If he serves well, plays well, he can beat anybody," Djokovic concluded.
Popyrin will face 20th seed and home favorite Frances Tiafoe next in the fourth round. Tiafoe is also coming off a big win in the previous round against Ben Shelton in a five-set epic.