Defending U.S. Open Champion Novak Djokovic Knocked Out in Shock Defeat

Novak Djokovic's Hopes of Calendar-Year Grand Slam Crushed

Third-seeded Denis Shapovalov pulled off a sensational 7-6 (5), 7-5, 7-5 upset over top-seeded and defending champion Novak Djokovic on Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal.

Djokovic was seeking to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four Grand Slam titles in the same year. The defeat also ended his 27-match winning streak at majors, dating back to the 2020 French Open.

Upset of the Tournament

Shapovalov, 22, played aggressively throughout the match, hitting 35 winners to Djokovic's 23. He also saved all three break points he faced.

The Canadian is now the lowest-ranked player to reach the semifinals of the U.S. Open since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009.

Djokovic's Reaction

After the match, Djokovic congratulated Shapovalov and said he was "disappointed" with his performance.

"I played a really good match," Djokovic said. "But Denis played better. He deserved to win."