Novak Djokovic's shock 3R loss keeps 16-year Roger Federer record intact at US Open
Novak Djokovic's unexpected third-round defeat to Alexei Popyrin at the US Openn has helped keep one of Roger Federer's records at the hardcourt Major intact. The Swiss was the last men's player to successfully defend his US Open crown 16 years ago, when he came out on top against Andy Murray in 2008.
Djokovic went into his third-round clash against Popyrin on Friday, August 30, as the overwhelming favorite after two previous wins over the Aussie at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. However, what followed on the Arthur Ashe Stadium was something nobody expected.
The 24-time Major winner struggled with his serve, producing 14 double faults throughout the contest. Meanwhile, Popyrin took full advantage of Djokovic's erratic display and sealed his place in the fourth-round with a 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 win.
Djokovic's loss means that his great rival, the now-retired Roger Federer, was the last man to have successfully defended his US Open title back in 2008. The Swiss registered a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 win over a young Andy Murray in the final of the 2008 edition of the hardcourt Major. It also marked his fifth consecutive title at the US Open.
Federer's hot streak at Flushing Meadows started in 2004, when he won his maiden US Open title after defeating Lleyton Hewitt in the final. In the 2005, 2006 and 2007 finals, the Swiss got the better of Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Djokovic respectively.
Roger Federer finished as the US Open runner-up twice; was beaten by Novak Djokovic in 2015 final
Federer title-winning streak at the US Open was snapped by Juan Martin del Potro in 2009. The Swiss and the Argentine produced a five-set epic in the final of the 2009 edition of the hardcourt Major, which ultimately went del Potro's way.
It would take Federer six more years to return to the US Open final, but once again, he would taste defeat at the last hurdle. This time around, it was Djokovic who got the better of the Swiss in the final, winning 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. The victory marked the Serb's second US Open title, four years after he had won his first following his victory over Rafael Nadal in the final.
While Federer would never again make it to the final of the US Open before his 2022 Laver Cup retirement, Djokovic would reach four more finals, of which, he won two (2018, 2023).