U.S. Open 2024: Djokovic Out, Bopanna and Bhambri Advance

In a dramatic turn at the U.S. Open 2024, defending champion Novak Djokovic was eliminated from the tournament, marking a year without any Grand Slam titles for the star player. Meanwhile, Indian duo Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri showcased their talent and resilience, successfully advancing to the third round. While Djokovic’s early exit surprised fans, Bopanna and Bhambri’s impressive performances highlight the competitive spirit and excitement of this year’s tournament.

Djokovic Out, No Grand Slam Titles This Year

A day after Carlos Alcaraz’s exit, the defending champion Novak Djokovic, in a surprising turn of events, also fell in the U.S. Open, losing a four-set match. In pursuit of his 25th Grand Slam victory, Djokovic was defeated by Australia’s 28th seed Alexei Popyrin, with scores of 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. This marks the first time since 2017 that Djokovic, the second seed, has finished a year without winning any Grand Slam titles.

This also occurred in 2010. Additionally, it’s the first time since 2002 that none of the three tennis legends—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—have won a Grand Slam title in a single year. Djokovic previously did not make it past the third round of the U.S. Open in 2005 and 2006. The 37-year-old has won the championship here in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023.

Djokovic seemed tired during the match

Djokovic, the gold medalist from the Paris Olympics, made 14 double faults and seemed fatigued during the match. This victory, a significant milestone in his career, marks 25-year-old Popyrin’s first win over Djokovic. He will next face 20th seed Francis Tiafoe of the U.S., who won against fellow American Ben Shenton with scores of 4-6, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3.

Third seed Coco Gauff advanced after dropping the first set. The American took a significant step toward defending her title by defeating 27th seed Elina Svitolina with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Additionally, 13th seed Emma Navarro also progressed to the next round, winning against 19th seed Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Bopanna and Bhambri Reach Third Round

India’s Yuki Bhambri and France’s Albano Olivetti delivered a remarkable performance at the U.S. Open men’s doubles, showcasing their resilience and determination. After losing the first set to the experienced duo of Austin Krajicek and Jean-Julien Rojer, the pair quickly regrouped and found their rhythm. They rallied back with impressive teamwork and strategic plays, ultimately securing their place in the third round. Their victory against the 15th-seeded team from the U.S. and the Netherlands, with scores of 4-6, 6-3, and 7-5, exemplifies their fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure.

This achievement is significant for Bhambri, as it marks only the second the first time he has reached the Grand Slam’s third-round tournament. His previous success at this level came in the 2014 Australian Open, highlighting how far he has come since then. This recent performance not only boosts his confidence but also adds to his growing reputation on the international stage. Bhambri and Olivetti’s journey in this tournament acts as a motivating reminder of the possibilities for comebacks in tennis, demonstrating that with perseverance and teamwork, even the toughest matches can turn in one’s favor.

Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden also performed exceptionally well

The second-seeded duo of Rohan Bopanna and Matthew Ebden advanced to the third round with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena and Argentina’s Federico Coria. However, Indian player N. Sriram Balaji and his Argentine partner Guido Andreozzi were eliminated in the second round after losing to New Zealand’s Michael Venus and Great Britain’s Neal Skupski. The Indian-Argentine pair fell short with a score of 6-7 (4), 4-6. Venus and Skupski capitalized on one of their seven break points, while Balaji and Andreozzi could not convert their sole opportunity for a service break.

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