Novak Djokovic told to retire immediately as fans pile in on tennis icon after US Open defeat

Yet Djokovic struggled throughout the showdown, with Popyrin winning 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to advance to the fourth round of the competition.

This year will be the first since 2017 that Djokovic has failed to win a major.

Though he recently won gold at the Paris Olympics, the 37-year-old currently looks a shadow of the player that has written his name into the history books throughout his career.

And fans on social media have urged the veteran to retire from tennis after his dreams of US Open glory were ended.

"First time in years Djokovic let me down big time. He just doesn't have it anymore. Time to retire," wrote one user.

A second said: "No slams for Djokovic this year. Time to retire."

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A third opined: "I speak for all Djokovic fans when I say he should retire."

Another said: "Djokovic you won everything in the sport just retire old boy."

A fifth fan said: "Now Djokovic should retire from tennis. He won everything and he is not winning any slams ever now."

And a sixth said: "Djokovic is 37..I'm not surprised a young 25-year-old is embarrassing him..it's almost time to retire Djokovic."

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While Djokovic is struggling, he has no plans to retire any time soon.

After winning Olympic gold, the veteran indicated that he'd like to play at the next Olympics in 2028.

He was, however, unhappy with his performance against Popyrin - saying he played some of the 'worst tennis' of his entire career.

"He definitely played better and deserved to win," he said.

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"I mean, on my end, honestly, the way I felt and the way I played from the beginning of this tournament, third round is a success.

"I have played some of the worst tennis I have ever played, honestly, serving by far the worst ever."

Djokovic also said the match had been 'awful' from his perspective, too.

"If you play on a quick surface like this without the serve, without ability to win free points there, very low first-serve percentage, many double faults, then you can't win," he continued.

"You can't win, especially against the guys who are in form like Alexei who is serving big, puts a lot of pressure on your service game.

"It was just an awful match for me."