US Open 2024: Top five shocking upsets in singles draw

Early exits of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz stunned New York.

The US Open 2024 concluded with history being created by current world number #1 Jannik Sinner and second seed Aryna Sabalenka winning the tournament for the first time. Two new champions rose at the flushing meadows making the 2024 edition of the Open, a memorable one.

Both finalists had similar draws, facing relatively easier opponents in stark contrast to their projected path to finals as they were expected to cross paths with top players. The 133rd edition of the US Open produced some of the most shocking results including early exits of the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz as well as the 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.

Prior to the tournament, many expected Sabalenka to contest a rematch of the 2023 US Open final against Coco Gauff in the semis and then face arch rival Iga Swiatek in the finale. However that wasn’t to be, as the first and third seeds were eliminated early into the tournament.

On that note, let’s take a look at the five most shocking upsets of the 2024 US Open.

5. Hubert Hurkacz lost to Jordan Thompson in second round

Entering the tournament as the 7th seed, Hubert Hurkacz was expected to advance to the quarter finals and challenge the top seeds given his QF appearance at the 2024 Australian Open and fourth round appearance at the 2024 Roland Garros. However the Polish was left stunned against Jordan Thompson as the Aussie beat the 7th seed in straight sets after a closely contested first set. The scoreboard read 7-6 (7-2), 6-1, 7-5.

Hurkacz had earlier skipped the Paris Olympics due to a knee injury and there were concerns that he had not recovered fully after handing over a walkover to Frances Tiafoe in the QF clash of the Cincinnati Masters.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner record two big milestones with US Open 2024 win

4. Coco Gauff lost to Emma Navarro in fourth round

The defending champion’s title defense came to a shocking halt at the hands of fellow compatriot Emma Navarro, who replicated her stunning victory from their Wimbledon Round of 16 clash just a few months prior. In what felt like a Deja vu moment, Navarro outplayed Coco Gauff with her aggressive baseline play and tactical precision.

Coming into the tournament, Gauff had a series of horrid results behind her including a shocking exit at the Paris Olympics and consecutive disappointments at the Canadian Masters and Cincinnati Open. While many expected the 20-year-old to put up a strong performance at her home venue, her dream of defending the title came to a premature end against Navarro, who beat her in three sets with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

3. Carlos Alcaraz lost to Botic van de Zandschulp in second round

A massive upset struck New York when the 2022 US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz was handed a devastating straight set defeat in the second round. Botic van de Zandschulp, who prior to the competition admitted that he started losing interest in the sport, produced one of the biggest shocks in US Open history by knocking the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion.

Despite having lost the Olympic final as well as the Cincinnati Open. The Spaniard had entered the event as a top contender and his defeat against the Dutch sent shock waves amidst the tennis fraternity. Zandschulp was dominant and unrelenting, preventing an Alcaraz comeback to advance to the third round where he lost to eventual semi-finalist Jake Draper. Zandschulp defeated Alcaraz 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.

2. Iga Swiatek lost to Jessica Pegula in quarterfinals

The sequence of disappointments for top seed Iga Swiatek continued at the US Open despite making a promising start. The 2021 US Open winner had a good opportunity to repeat her heroics with the defending champion out of the way but it wasn’t meant to be as she was beaten by eventual runner-up Jessica Pegula in the quarters in straight sets. The American beat Swiatek 6-2, 6-4.

This loss comes after the Polish lost at her favorite surface at the Olympics to Qinwen Zheng thereby being deprived of a maiden Olympic Gold. While Swiatek continues to top the rankings, she needs to exceed in the forthcoming WTA tour events to end the season as world No #1.

1. Novak Djokovic lost to Alexei Popyrin in third round

In less than 24 hours after Alcaraz’s stunning exit, the defending champion Novak Djokovic faced a similar fate, falling to reigning Canadian Open champion Alexei Popyrin. Djokovic had a good star at New York and was fresh off a triumphant Olympic campaign where he completed his quest for gold. He had virtually secured everything that is there to be won.

With the mission to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles and solidify his place as the most successful tennis player in history, Djokovic hoped to end the year with a Grand Slam title. It wasn’t to be for the Serbian though, as the Australian made the Serbian pay for his poor serving, eliminating the 2nd seed in four sets. Popyrin defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

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