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 in the second round. The World No. 117 Istomin beat the World No. 2 and six-time Australian Open champion 7-6(8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a match that lasted for almost five hours.
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 and also win the third 6-2. However, Istomin staged a thrilling comeback to take the fourth 7-6(4). The fifth and final set saw Istomin break Djokovic early and eventually win the set and match 6-4. The wild card ended Djokovic’s 15-match winning streak at Melbourne Park on Rod Laver Arena. It was their third meeting at the Australian Open, following a straight sets win in 2010 and 2014 for Djokovic.
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!