Former World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic bowed out of the Australian Open after he was beaten by unseeded Uzbek tennis player Denis Istomin in a five-set thriller. Istomin, who has a world ranking of 117, beat the six-time Australian Open champion 7-6 (8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a pulsating match.
The first set lasted for 85 minutes with Istomin winning the tie-breaker 7-6 (8). The second set saw the champion make a comeback with a 7-5 win.
The third set saw Djokovic cruising past Istomin 6-2. When everyone thought that the match was in the Djokovic’s corner, Istomin staged a thrilling comeback to take the fourth 7-6 (4) in the tie-break. The fifth and final set saw Istomin break Djokovic early and eventually win the set and match 6-4. It was a gritty performance by Istomin, who was clearly the better player on the Rod Laver Arena.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!