Tennis fans have hit out at Alexei Popyrin for his celebrations after he produced a major upset to beat Novak Djokovic in the third round of the men’s singles tournament at the US Open.
The Australian, who is ranked 28th in the ATP tour rankings, let out a huge roar and held his arms aloft at the Arthur Ashe Stadium after he clinched a 3-1 victory over the Olympic champion.
The 25-year-old has never beaten the world No 2, Djokovic, in his career, with the pair having met three times previously, with Popyrin taking a two-set lead, before going on to produce a seismic upset, winning 6-4 6-4 2-6 6-4.
‘[It was] just an awful match for me,’ Djokovic said. Earlier this week, the Serbian ho had previously confirmed that he had been suffering from an abdominal problem during the tournament at Flushing Meadows.
But the Serbian had not looked himself during Friday night’s match, serving out a whopping 14 double faults, which Popyrin took advantage of.
Alexei Popyrin has been criticised for his celebrations after he claimed a 3-1 victory against Novak Djokovic
Djokovic admitted it was ‘an awful match for me’ after he produced 14 double faults
Throughout the match, Popyrin grew in confidence and roared to the crowd after breaking Djokovic in the fourth set before going on to book his place in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
But some were left unhappy with his celebrations, with one writing on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Popyrin really drove me crazy with his ways.’
Another wrote: ‘Ngl it aggravated me a bit. I was hoping Novak was going to come back and win just to shut him up, but Pop [Popyrin] just had one of those games and Novak looked nowhere near his normal level.
‘From his first match, it looked like he [Djokovic] couldn’t find that level.’
Another fan appeared to cause a debate on the social media platform, appearing to criticise Popyrin, writing: ‘Yes! You scream! You celebrate! You beat a 37-year-old man who has been celebrating his gold medal for too long!
‘Who hit 14 double faults and couldn’t find a first serve because of abdominal issues! You scream! You fist-pump. You did well!’
But one fan responded, citing Djokovic’s history of celebrating against injured opponents, including Roger Federer.
After breaking the world No 2 in the fourth set, Popyrin let out a huge roar to fans inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium
But fans were left divided online, with some hitting out at the Australian for his celebrations, while others disagreed
‘Are you serious right now?’ The X user responded. ‘Because this is how Novak Djokovic celebrated against a clearly injured and hampered Federer in AO 2020.
‘What Popyrin did was nowhere near as bad as what Djokovic did here.’
Another added: ‘No one is or will ever be close to GOAT Djokovic. Had never seen Pop play with such power and speed…and moving so well, I’m sure he got a good massage.’
Popyrin delivered a clinical performance to sweep away the 24-time Grand Slam winner, blasting 50 winners past Djokovic to set up a quarter-final clash against American, Frances Tiafoe.
It was the third time Popyrin and Djokovic have met at a Grand Slam tournament, having also met in Tokyo back in 2019.
It is the first time Popyrin has beaten the 24-time Grand Slam champion, and will advance to the quarter-finals to take on Frances Tiafoe
Djokovic will now have to wait until next year to have a shot at claiming his 25th slam
‘Third time lucky I guess,’ Popyrin said. ‘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.’
