End of an Era? Djokovic's Unexpected U.S. Open Exit Raises Questions

Novak Djokovic's surprising third-round defeat at the U.S. Open to Alexei Popyrin marks the first year since 2017 that he didn't win a Grand Slam. For the first time since 2002, none of the 'Big Three' of men's tennis—Djokovic, Federer, or Nadal—will have won a major title in a season.

Novak Djokovic tried to put on a brave face after his unexpected third-round exit at the U.S. Open. The 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 loss to Alexei Popyrin ended Djokovic's Grand Slam season and marked the first time since 2017 that he didn't win a major championship.

The defeat also signifies the end of an era, as 2024 will be the first season since 2002 that none of the 'Big Three'—Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer—will have secured a Grand Slam title. Federer is retired, and Nadal is battling injuries, raising questions about Djokovic's future dominance as he approaches 37.

Despite a challenging year, Djokovic achieved a career milestone by winning his first Olympic gold medal for Serbia, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in Paris. However, he cited physical and mental exhaustion from the Olympics as a factor in his poor performance at the U.S. Open.

(With inputs from agencies.)