"That's like Novak Djokovic" - Nick Kyrgios likens US Open defending champ to WWE's Undertaker amid his ultimately futile comeback attempt in 3R loss
Nick Kyrgios likened Novak Djokovic to WWE's The Undertaker over the Serb's futile attempt to stage a comeback win against Alexei Popyrin in the third-round of the ongoing 2024 US Open. Djokovic found himself two sets down but then dialed down to win the third set against the Australian. Popyrin though, would go on to clinch the fourth set and oust the Serb from the prestigious hardcourt Major.
Popyrin and Djokovic faced each other on two occasions previously on the Grand Slam stage this year. Both meetings (at the Australian Open and then at the Wimbledon Championships) went to four sets, with the 24-time Major winner emerging triumphant. However, Popyrin snapped his losing streak to the Serb at Flushing Meadows by winning the pair's late-night match on Friday, August 30.
The Australian's 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory was aided by Djokovic's uncharacteristic serve struggles. The World No. 2's 13 double faults ultimately cost him dearly, even though he did his best to mount what would have been yet another remarkable comeback by winning the third set.
Kyrgios, who is covering the US Open as a commentator and an analyst for ESPN, took to X (formerly Twitter) and remembered the iconic act of The Undertaker from the WWE, which involved the wrestler seemingly waking up from the dead. The Australian likened the act to Djokovic's attempted comeback against his compatriot on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"Does anyone know when the undertaker came into the WWE and the intro the bell would ring and his head would raise up?????? That’s like DJOKOVIC- picture it hahahaha," Kyrgios wrote.
On a more serious note, Djokovic had told Kyrgios earlier during a post-match on-court interview how his serving had been dismal against compatriot Laslo Djere in the second-round of the 2024 US Open.
"Playing without a serve, you have to grind and run" - Novak Djokovic to Nick Kyrgios after US Open 2R walkover win over Laslo Djere
Djokovic's serve struggles became evident during his display against compatriot Laslo Djere in the second round at Flushing Meadows. Against Djere, the former World No. 1 had to rely mainly on his return game from the baseline to win the first two sets. Djere retired in the third set with injury after losing the first two games, allowing Djokovic to reach the third round courtesy of a walkover.
After the match, the 24-time Major winner briefly told Kyrgios how his serve was poor throughout the match and how "not everyone can serve" like the Australian.
"Over 2 hours for 2 sets. I served awful. Playing without a serve, you have to grind and run. Not everyone serves like you. I guess I have to rely on my baseline game," Djokovic told Kyrgios.
The Serb's 2024 US Open third-round exit marks the end of his outings at Grand Slams this year. His best finish at Majors this season came at Wimbledon, where he reached the final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz.