Novak Djokovic suffers double blow after surprise US Open exit as Zverev benefits

Novak Djokovic suffered an unwanted double blow after crashing out of the US Open in the third round against Alexei Popyrin.

Djokovic, who was tipped to back his Olympic gold up with a solid showing in New York, failed to deliver against the Australian, losing 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Speaking after his exit, the Serb's earliest since at this Grand Slam in 18 years, Djokovic admitted his Paris endeavours had taken it out of him, even though he arrived in the States fit and firing ahead of the US Open.

On his defeat, he said: “I spent a lot of energy winning the gold, and I did arrive to New York just not feeling fresh mentally and physically.

“I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly. Serving – by far – the worst ever."

He continued: “It was just an awful match for me. I wasn’t playing even close to my best. It’s not good to be in that kind of state where you feel okay physically, and of course you’re motivated because it’s a Grand Slam, but you just are not able to find your game.

“That’s it. The game is falling apart, and I guess you have to accept that tournaments like this happen.”

Tennis fans have questioned whether the Olympic triumph could be considered a red herring, given Djokovic’s form all season has been patchy.

Even though he’s reached the quarter-final in three of the four majors this year, a Grand Slam-less year for the Belgrade-born star has to be considered a disappointment.

And things could even get worse before they get better for Djokovic.

As a result of his US Open defeat against Popyrin, Djokovic is likely to drop from second in the ATP rankings all the way down to fourth and it is possible he will miss out on the ATP Finals.

Djokovic was dethroned earlier this year when Jannik Sinner assumed the position at the top, with it now looking unlikely the 24-time Grand Slam winner will ever return to No.1 in the world.

One man's loss is another man's gain, with Alexander Zverev presented the chance to move up to third in the rankings, should he win the US Open final next weekend.

That’s none of Popyrin’s business though, with the Aussie over the moon to have taken such a scalp in the US Open third round.

Commenting on his victory, the 25-year-old said: “Third time lucky I guess. We had battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had chances in those matches but didn’t take them.

“This match was different. I was able to take my chances when I had them. I played some good tennis.”