Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Eliminated From US Open One Night After Carlos Alcaraz’s Loss

Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Eliminated From US Open One Night After Carlos Alcaraz’s Loss
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Alexei Popyrin of Australia during a third round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York on Aug. 30, 2024. Julia Nikhinson/AP Photo
The Associated Press
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NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic did not go easy on himself when assessing the listless way he performed from the start of the U.S. Open, pointing to his sloppy serving as the main reason the defense of his 2023 title surprisingly ended in the third round.

“I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly,” Djokovic said, just after midnight as Friday turned to Saturday. “Serving—by far—the worst ever.”