In a shocking upset at the US Open, Alexei Popyrin handed Novak Djokovic his earliest exit from a major tournament since 2006, proving it's not easy to be the GOAT when you’ve got 14 double faults and fatigue.

This stunning third-round defeat—6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4—leaves Djokovic without a single Grand Slam title in 2024 and marks the first year since 2002 where none of the Big Three have claimed a major title. In a match characterized by Djokovic's rare 14 double faults and a whopping 49 unforced errors, Popyrin, previously 0-3 against the Serbian, celebrated his rise to the round of 16 with a blistering 50 winners, proving that even the greatest can have an off day (or decade).

As Djokovic trudged off the court, still reeling from the notion that Alexei Popyrin could do the unthinkable, commentators were left muttering into their microphones. Just a day prior, Djokovic had been a step away from being crowned the favorite to take the tournament, especially given the demise of competing star Carlos Alcaraz. But as it turns out, ghosts from the past aren’t the only hurdles; sometimes, a pesky Australian can ruin your day too.

Djokovic’s performance, dubbed 'out of gas' post-match, could have been explained by his recent Olympic feat—winning a gold medal shortly before heading to the US Open. The man evidently did not account for the unique brand of fatigue that comes from representing one's country on the greatest stage and then dashing off to chase yet another title. Not exactly a two-for-one special deal, but one might’ve thought he’d had a decent layover in between.

The peculiarity of the situation didn’t stop with Djokovic’s fatigue. On the other side of the court, Popyrin introduced himself as the 2024 Cinderella story, knocking the once indomitable Djokovic out of the running. He achieved this by mastering the art of a powerful forehand, cranking out 22 winners that could practically be heard echoing through the aisles of Arthur Ashe Stadium. This striking display of athleticism marked a perfectly choreographed ballet of shots unachievable for most mortal beings. No pressure, Frances Tiafoe, but Popyrin is bringing the heat.

Despite the glaring statistics against him, Popyrin’s journey to victory was masterfully crafted. That comprehensive 50 total winners at the end of the match serves as a reminder that sometimes, persistent practice and patience can transform a record of being 0-3 into an anecdote that will be shared over many post-match interviews. Perhaps it was the charm of never having won against Djokovic before that allowed him to fluff off expectations like last week’s laundry.

In the grander panorama, the absence of Grand Slam titles for Djokovic and his Big Three counterparts—Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer—has brought a significant event to the highlighting of generational shifts in men’s tennis. With Djokovic's defeat, young guns are cementing their take on the game while the Big Three engage in mutual nods of acknowledgment as they watch from the bleachers, possibly keeping a running tally of who can’t pop the champagne this year.

As the tennis world collectively gasps and contemplates the eternity of a Djokovic-less Grand Slam room, speculation runs rife about the future for a player who had become synonymous with winning excellence. Popyrin’s significant victory leaves fans pondering whether they’re witnessing a mere blip on Djokovic’s radar of dominance or the start of a new era where surprises lurk around every corner, no matter how grand the event may be. Here’s to the unpredictable nature of sports—and to Popyrin, who will be picked apart for the next week while Djokovic catches his breath, reclaiming a little hope before the next bout of aspirations.

So, as Djokovic exits the stage somewhat prematurely for a player of his caliber, the tennis landscape seems more akin to rollercoaster dynamics. Could we witness more pop upsets, or was this just a one-off? For now, fans will undoubtedly relish in the fresh narratives born in the wake of this upset. And while Djokovic takes a much-needed rest, the world will eagerly await Popyrin’s next showdown with Tiafoe, wondering if the torch has indeed passed or if the timeworn warriors of tennis still have a trick or two left up their sleeves.