### **Shocking the Court: The 5 Biggest Men’s Grand Slam Upsets of 2024, Starring Alcaraz and Djokovic**
The 2024 men’s tennis season delivered thrilling moments, but few stories captivated fans like the stunning upsets that unfolded on the sport’s biggest stages. Grand Slam tournaments saw champions brought to their knees and underdogs seizing their moment in the spotlight. Here, we delve into the five biggest men’s Grand Slam upsets of 2024, with Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic at the center of the drama.
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### **1. Novak Djokovic Falls to Jiri Lehecka at Wimbledon**
Wimbledon 2024 witnessed an unforgettable shock when Novak Djokovic, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, was defeated by Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals. Djokovic entered the match with a reputation as virtually unbeatable on the grass courts of the All England Club, having claimed his seventh Wimbledon title just a year earlier.
Lehecka, a Czech player ranked outside the top 20, played the match of his life. With fearless baseline aggression and pinpoint serving, he managed to break Djokovic’s legendary defense, winning 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a pulsating five-set battle.
For Djokovic, this marked one of his rare Wimbledon defeats and a missed opportunity to inch closer to cementing his place as the undisputed greatest of all time. For Lehecka, the victory was transformative, positioning him as one of the most promising young players on tour.
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### **2. Carlos Alcaraz Stunned by Rinky Hijikata at the Australian Open**
Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1 and a pre-tournament favorite, entered the Australian Open looking to add to his Grand Slam tally. However, his campaign came to an abrupt halt in the third round against Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata.
Hijikata, ranked outside the top 100, played inspired tennis in front of an enthusiastic Melbourne crowd. Mixing clever shot selection with an unyielding defensive game, Hijikata managed to disrupt Alcaraz’s explosive rhythm. The underdog claimed a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) victory, leaving the tennis world in disbelief.
While Alcaraz graciously acknowledged his opponent’s performance, the loss highlighted the unpredictability of the Grand Slam stage, even for the sport’s brightest stars.
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### **3. Ben Shelton Stuns Alcaraz and Medvedev at the US Open**
Ben Shelton emerged as one of the breakout stars of the year after a remarkable run at the 2024 US Open. The 21-year-old American stunned both Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz in back-to-back rounds, cementing his status as a future star.
First, Shelton dismantled Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, in the quarterfinals. His blistering serve and aggressive forehand proved too much for the Russian, securing a 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-3 win.
In the semifinals, Shelton faced defending champion Alcaraz in a match that electrified the New York crowd. Despite dropping a grueling third set, Shelton maintained his composure and clinched a 6-3, 4-6, 6-7(5), 7-6(6), 6-4 victory in over four hours.
Although he fell to Novak Djokovic in the final, Shelton’s journey reaffirmed his potential as a leading figure in American men’s tennis.
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### **4. Stan Wawrinka Defeats Holger Rune at Roland Garros**
The clay courts of Roland Garros set the stage for an age-defying performance from Stan Wawrinka, who toppled sixth-seeded Holger Rune in the fourth round. Rune, a rising star known for his clay-court prowess, was expected to advance deep into the tournament.
Wawrinka, at 39 years old, turned back the clock with a vintage display of power and precision. His one-handed backhand, a shot that has graced countless highlight reels, was in full flow as he outmaneuvered Rune in four sets: 7-6(4), 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.
The victory was a testament to Wawrinka’s enduring skill and determination, and it served as a reminder of the depth of experience that veteran players bring to the Grand Slam stage.
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### **5. Alexander Zverev Upset by Qualifier Luca Van Assche at the French Open**
Another shocking moment at Roland Garros came in the second round when Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3, was ousted by French qualifier Luca Van Assche.
Van Assche, ranked 114th, stunned the tennis world by delivering a straight-sets victory: 6-4, 7-6(7), 6-3. Zverev struggled with consistency throughout the match, while Van Assche played with remarkable composure, feeding off the energy of the home crowd.
For Van Assche, the win marked the highlight of his young career and a testament to the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis.
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### **A Season of Surprises**
The 2024 Grand Slam season proved once again that tennis is one of the most unpredictable sports. While icons like Alcaraz and Djokovic continued to shine, the emergence of new stars and the resurgence of seasoned veterans created unforgettable moments.
These five upsets not only reshaped the narrative of the 2024 season but also underscored the incredible depth of talent in the men’s game. As the tennis world looks forward to 2025, the question remains: who will rise next to shock the court?
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This story highlights the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that made 2024 an unforgettable year in men’s tennis.