Alexei Popyrin made bold Novak Djokovic claim weeks before US Open upset
Alexei Popyrin previously predicted that he'd be able to defeat Novak Djokovic, who he shockingly defeated at the US Open in four sets, 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4.
Alexei Popyrin made good on his past assertion that he could beat Novak Djokovic. Nearly two months after claiming he had what it takes to defeat the seven-time champion, the 25-year-old proved it with a thrilling win at the US Open.
On Friday night, Popyrin sent shockwaves across Arthur Ashe Stadium by defeating Djokovic in four sets, 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4. The upset victory took just about everybody by surprise - except for the No. 28 in the world, who previously spoke his win into existence.
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The pair of tennis stars faced off earlier this year in the second round of the Australian Open, during which Djokovic ousted Popyrin in four sets, 6-3 4-6 7-6 (4) 6-3. The Australian at times looked like he could pull off a massive upset, but failed to convert on four set points in the third, which would’ve awarded him with a one-set advantage.
Speaking to reporters ahead of their second faceoff at Wimbledon, Popyrin claimed he could’ve won the match had he avoided making several costly errors.
“I genuinely believe I could have won that match, if I had won that third set [at the Australian Open],” Popyrin said after stopping No. 30 Tomas Martin Etcheverry. “I feel like I was in the driver’s seat and I felt super comfortable out there, and enjoyed every moment.
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“[Djokovic] is a super-solid player, but I do feel he gives you chances every now and then in the points. He doesn’t give you many, but he does give you some, and when he does do that, you have to take them because if you don’t, then he’ll make you pay … but if I can go out there and play the way I did in the first three sets [that night] then who’s to say [I can’t win]?”
Sure enough, Popyrin gave Djokovic another run for his money at Wimbledon, once again falling in four sets - but making it to the third round this time around. On the heels of taking down Pedro Martinez Portero 6-2 6-4 6-0 on Wednesday, he expressed confidence that the US Open would be the grand slam in which he finally defeats his opponent, who he described as the “greatest of all time.”
"I had chances in both matches and it's just a matter of taking those chances and playing good on the big points," Popyrin said. "That's what he did well those two matches [at the Australian Open and Wimbledon] and what I didn't do too well. If I can do that, then who knows what can happen?
"But I just want to keep playing the way I have been the last two or three weeks; I think I feel really good out there."
Ahead of their third clash this year, Djokovic commended Popyrin on the improvement he’s seen from him since the Australian Open. “He keeps on getting closer and closer, knocking on that door,” Djokovic said.
“He's a really good player. He has improved a lot. He's won his first Masters in Canada. We always knew he has a big serve and forehand, but I think his backhand and his movement improved a lot.
“So he's much better defending, and he's more consistent. He doesn't make as many errors as he used to. Just overall great improvement from his side. He's pumped. He's confident, and he shows that.”
