Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz Suffer Stunning US Open Exits: Historic ‘Firsts’ in Slam History

In a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have been ousted from the US Open 2024. This marks the first time in over two decades that the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds will not feature in the Round of 16 at a Grand Slam.

Alcaraz’s Early Exit

On Thursday night, the 2022 US Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz, faced an unexpected defeat. World No. 74 Botic van de Zandschulp stunned the Spaniard in straight sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Alcaraz, who recently won titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and earned a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, was considered a strong contender. His loss left fans and experts alike in disbelief.

Djokovic’s Surprising Loss

Less than 24 hours later, on the same court, Novak Djokovic also faced a stunning upset. The 28th-seed Alexei Popyrin defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in the third round. Despite a successful summer, including a historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic’s hopes for a 25th Grand Slam title were dashed. Popyrin’s powerful game and Djokovic’s poor serving contributed to this surprising outcome.

Historic ‘Firsts’

These back-to-back upsets have set new records. This is the first Grand Slam since the 2004 French Open without any of the Big Three—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—in the Round of 16. Additionally, 2024 marks the first year since 2002 that none of these tennis legends will win a major title.

For Alcaraz, this loss is his worst in a major since 2021 at Wimbledon. Djokovic’s defeat marks his earliest US Open exit since 2006.