Alexei Popyrin vs Novak Djokovic Prediction & Picks - ATP US Open

Prediction published on 8/29/24, 11:30 AM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 8/29/24 at 11:32 AM in ATP US Open Picks

Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, will face his first test at the US Open 2024 with the recent winner of the Montreal Masters 1000, Alexei Popyrin.

Having clinched the only title he lacked at the Olympic Games, Novak Djokovic hasn't said goodbye to his ambitions to continue adding to his trophy cabinet. Last year's winner in New York, the Serb has since failed to win another Grand Slam. But the injury sustained at Roland Garros has given Nolé back the energy he had lost at the start of the season. Now managing his body with tournaments played in fits and starts, Novak Djokovic relies on recovery between major events to continue performing at his best. After defeating Romanian Radu Albot in the first round, the record holder of Grand Slam victories saw his compatriot Laslo Djere retire during the match. This Friday, Novak Djokovic faces a superior opponent in the shape of Alexei Popyrin.

The Australian is no longer the same player following his victory a few days ago at the Montreal Masters 1000. Now ranked 28th in the world, the Sydney native will have to confirm his position and will also be eagerly awaited. So far, Alexei Popyrin hasn't had a single scare in the first two rounds, with easy wins over South Korea's Soon Woo Kwon and Spain's Pedro Martinez, without dropping a single set. Building on his momentum, the Australian has nothing to lose against Novak Djokovic, an opponent he has never managed to dominate in 3 meetings.