Novak Djokovic’s bid for a first Grand Slam title in 2024 will continue in round three of the U.S. Open against Alexei Popyrin on Friday. Casper Ruud and Jerry Shang are also aiming for a place in the second week.
(28) Alexei Popyrin vs. (2) Novak Djokovic
Djokovic and Popyrin will be going head-to-head at a third Grand Slam in 2024 when they collide in round three of the U.S. Open on Friday. They also faced each at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, with Djokovic prevailing in four sets on both occasions to take an overall 3-0 lead in the head-to-head series. The 24-time major winner also got the job done 6-4, 6-2 at the 2019 Tokyo tournament.
As those competitive major meetings with Djokovic indicate, Popyrin is playing by far the best tennis of his career this season. The 25-year-old Australian is up to No. 28 in the world thanks in part to a recent Masters 1000 title in Montreal and so far at Flushing Meadows he has destroyed Soonwoo Kwon and Pedro Martinez. Unfortunately for Popyrin, Djokovic has won 18 sets in a row dating back to the start of the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old Serb has not lost a set to anyone other than Carlos Alcaraz since he dropped one to none other than Popyrin during third-round action at Wimbledon.
Pick: Djokovic in 3
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(8) Casper Ruud vs. Jerry Shang
Ruud is once again just quietly going about his business at a major, but he should not be forgotten–certainly not at the U.S. Open, where he finished runner-up to Alcaraz in 2022. The eighth-ranked Norwegian cruised past Yunchaokete Bu in round one before holding off Gael Monfils in a fourth-set tiebreaker on Wednesday night.
Up next for Ruud is a first-ever encounter with Shang, who is one of the tour’s rising stars. At just 19 years old, the Chinese left-hander has earned 19 of his 23 ATP-level match victories in 2024 and he has climbed to No. 72 in the rankings. If Shang prevails on Friday, he will break into the top 60. And he very well might, as this should be a good matchup for him. The youngster’s lefty serve and forehand will likely be able to expose Ruud’s obvious weakness, which is the backhand. Moreover, heading into New York the 25-year-old was a mere 5-5 in his last 10 matches dating back to Roland Garros. This is a great opportunity for Shang to make his real breakthrough as a professional.
Pick: Shang in 4
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WWW?
Joker in 4; Rudd in 4
Djokovic is playing horribly in this slam. I’ve never seen him serve so badly. If this continues tonight, he will most likely lose. Popyrin on the other hand is playing as well as ever. I’d put my money on Popyrin.
Here, I’ll even provide you with an email address so you tell me why PoS is better.
s97281734@gmail.com
And why it’s a black and white decision. Looking forward to your detailed reasoning. 👍
correct
If you’re not willing to say why, FO, it’s that simple.
The implications of any change are massive. If only it was that simple. It’s just wrong to give your opinion without backing it up with solid resoning.
Pop FTW
correct
Looks as if the Olympics did for Dkok as well. Time is a cruel mistress.
a surprise slam winner could be in the cards
Hope Med wins second title.
I like Meddy and would be happy with that, but in the interests of giant killers everywhere it should be Popsicle or Van De lollipop.
Haha Margot!! Eggsactly..
I especially appreciate Van de Lollipop. Brad Gilbert would be proud of that one with his huge collection of nicks. Too good for him mind.
🙂 x
Meanwhile Va de schlup slips up badly in straight sets 😩 no point in beating the world #3 and not being able to back it up!!!! Sigh!
But that happens all the time.
Meanwhile C’mon Jack!