Injured Novak Djokovic stunned by incredible Alex de Minaur in crucial United Cup tie as Australian Open doubts swirl
ATPWednesday, 03 January 2024 at 11:43
Despite injury hampering Novak Djokovic again, Alex de Minaur has picked up one of the biggest wins of his career toppling the World No.1 6-4, 6-4 in Perth and Australia now lead Serbia 1-0 in the crucial United Cup Quarter-Final tie.
A recurring injury for Djokovic who struggled through their tie against Czech Republic yesterday, he wasn't given the same mercy by De Minaur who now sits just outside the top 10 and was delightful during their singles tie. It will now be up to Natalija Stevanovic to keep them involved who faces Ajla Tomljanovic with Olga Danilovic not playing.
De Minaur snapped what was a 43-match winning streak in Australia for Djokovic who has enjoyed some of his best and worst times of his career in the country. But the former will aim to blaze a trail for his own countries hopes. He neutralized Djokovic's serve early on as De Minaur as expected targeted the 24-time Grand Slam champion having wrist issues.
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During changeovers, Djokovic like yesterday was getting treatment on his wrist but with De Minaur in superb form dropping only one point behind his first serve, he didn't stand a chance no matter if he was better enhanced by a massage or not.
De Minaur's second serve was also superb and he was also helped by some luck such as Djokovic double faulting on break point in the second set. As a result, it is basically Djokovic's Australian Open preparation over, with the Serbian unlikely to play in the mixed doubles if Tomljanovic doesn't win and no more warm-ups planned. As ever though, many won't be counting him out especially for an issue that has blighted him before. Still though an incredible win for De Minaur.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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