NEW YORK. This year, world number one tennis player Jannik Sinner (Ita) triumphed in Melbourne, Carlos Alcaraz (Esp) in Paris, and the same in Wimbledon. The outcome of the US Open in New York is still open, but it is already clear that for the first time since 2002, none of the so-called “Big Three” (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer/retirement in 2022), who have dominated the circus with the yellow felt ball for more than two decades, will appear in the winners’ lists of the four Grand Slam tournaments. This marks the end of an impressive era.
But perhaps it is only interrupted, because it would be a serious mistake to write Djokovic off. Just a few weeks ago, the 37-year-old Serb was in top form and perfected his career by winning the Olympic gold medal at Roland Garros. After that, a weight was lifted from his shoulders, he really savored the success and therefore did not arrive at Flushing Meadows, where the giant had won four of his 24 major titles, optimally prepared.
“A terrible match”
The consequence was the surprising defeat in the third round – against Alexei Popyrin, the world number 28 from Australia. After the 4:6, 4:6, 6:2, 4:6 defeat, Djokovic was very harsh on himself. “It was a terrible match from me – among the worst tennis I have ever played. I served as poorly as I have ever done. You can’t win against guys who are in as good shape as Alexei,” said the man from Belgrade. 14 double faults, 49 unforced errors and only a 48 percent success rate in net attacks speak for themselves. “I invested a lot of energy in becoming Olympic champion in Paris. I felt a bit exhausted – mentally and physically not fresh. Life goes on, I’ll put it behind me.”
It is an absolute rarity that Djokovic missed the second week of a Grand Slam event. It is the worst result since 2017. Back then, he was already beaten by Denis Istomin in the second round of the Australian Open. In New York this year, Djokovic even suffered the earliest exit since 2008.
Nevertheless, an impending end to his career is not to be expected. The experienced player is convinced that he will turn things around and will attack again at the end of the season at the Masters tournaments in Shanghai and Paris. The ATP Finals in Turin are also on the agenda, but that assumes that Djokovic qualifies for the showdown of the best eight of the calendar year. As seventh, he feels the breath of Alex de Minaur (Aus), Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul (both USA).
Who can stop Sinner?
The top favorite for the US Open title is now the South Tyrolean Sinner, who is performing at the highest level in a relaxed manner after the sensational doping test, which did not result in a ban due to the lack of intent. The 23-year-old only lost one set on his way to the round of 16 – the first in the competition – and most recently he was unfailing in his 6:1, 6:4, 6:2 win against Christopher O’Connell (Aus). “It was a great match,” said Sinner, who was in no way inferior to the number 1 in the women’s category. The Polish Iga Swiatek defeated Anastassia Pavlyuchenkova (Rus/25) 6:4, 6:2 and has her sights firmly set on her second US Open victory.