Novak Djokovic takes the high road (as always) after too-early US Open exit

There are many tennis players who once they lose, blame themselves and what they did not do correctly. Those same players might think that if they did everything correctly, they would have won. The thinking goes that they are in charge of their own destinies. Novak Djokovic doesn't exactly work that way.

In fact, lots of young players who look up to Djokovic because of his all-time level of success also could follow how Djokovic handles himself after a loss. He will discuss what he did wrong and how he felt mentally, but he rarely refuses not to give credit to the opponent who just defeated him.

The Serb has to know that overall, he is the best player ever. The statistics - 24 Grand Slam titles and 40 Masters 1000 victories, which are both records - speak for themselves. Some might argue that someone else is the greatest ever, but Djokovic simply has too many numbers in his favor. Including spending more than 100 weeks at No. 1 than anyone else.

Novak Djokovic effusive in praise of Alexei Popyrin after US Open loss

Still, in Djokovic's mind, maybe he is not much better than the opponent who defeated him in the third round of the 2024 US Open, Alexei Popyrin. The Serb is always trying to prove himself, as much to himself as to anyone else. This could also lead some to wonder how long Djokovic will keep playing. If he doesn't think he can win Grand Slams anymore, he might not want to try.

In his post-match press conference after his shock loss to Popyrin, Djokovic talked about how he did not feel mentally right throughout his short run at the tournament. He also admitted that his run to gold at the Olympics took a lot out of him emotionally. He did not let that stand in the way of his praise of Popyrin, however.

Djokovic told the media, "Congratulations to (Popyrin) and his team. He definitely played better and deserved to win today. On my end, honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success."

What is next for Djokovic is likely to be determined. He is currently seventh in the race to play in the year-end ATP Finals. There is a good chance that the players following him, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, could pass him. Maybe he doesn't care, though. He has likely accomplished enough in his career.

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