Novak Djokovic's shocking US Open loss ends incredible 22-year streak

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A new era of tennis has been ushered in with the shocking defeat of 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the third round of the U.S. Open on Friday. 

The Serbian tennis star, fresh off a gold medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, bowed out of his title defense after losing to 28th-seeded Alexei Popyrin of Australia in four sets.  

Alexei Popyrin, of Australia, reacts against Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, during a third round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP)

After the match, a disappointed Djokovic made no excuses. 

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"Honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament – the third round is a success. I’ve played some of the worst tennis I’ve ever played, honestly, serving by far the worst ever," he said, adding that Friday’s match had been "awful." 

"If you play on a quick surface like this without the serve, without the ability to win free points there … then you can’t win." 

Djokovic was asked whether his competing in Paris had affected his ability to win in New York. He declined to speculate but added that he had been simply "out of gas." 

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, reacts against Alexei Popyrin, of Australia, during a third round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in New York.  (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

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"I did arrive in New York just not feeling fresh, mentally and physically. But because it's the U.S. Open, I gave it a shot and tried my best. I didn’t have any physical issues, I