Denis Istomin shocked the tennis world with an incredible five-set win over number two seed Novak Djokovic. Check out the incredible highlights in the video.
MATCH PREVIEW
Novak Djokovic will be expected to ease into the third round of the Australian Open as he squares off against Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin on Rod Laver Arena. Join The Roar for live scores from 2.00pm AEDT
After surviving a tough opening round match-up against Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, Djokovic should have little trouble against hard-working Istomin tonight.
Istomin is a solid player with a decent backhand but his game doesn’t match up favourably against the complete package that is Djokovic. The Serb’s perfect head-to-head record against the Uzbek player is testament to the fact that Djokovic simply has Istomin covered in all areas of the game.
In his five meetings against Istomin, Djokovic has lost just the one set. Furthermore, Djokovic has already beaten Istomin twice at the Australian Open, with their last meeting at Melbourne Park back in 2014.
For Istomin to have any chance of winning a set, let alone the match, he will have to play ultra aggressively against the finest defensive player in the history of the game. Istomin’s backhand is a solid weapon and it should generate winners for him tonight if he takes the ball early and punishes any short balls that Djokovic offers.
Even if Istomin is at his best, the result of this match rests on Djokovic’s performance. The only factor that could derail Djokovic tonight is hubris. The Serb has every right to feel this match has already been won but a lethargic start could see Istomin grow in belief.
At the end of the day, no one could have predicted that Djokovic would lose to Sam Querrey last year at Wimbledon yet the Serb did. With this in mind, Djokovic can’t afford to produce a flat performance after a solid first-round outing.
Prediction
Djokovic at his best should stroll into the third round.
Djokovic in straight sets.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Spectacular result, well done Denis Istomin.
anon
Guest
This opens the tournament up for Nadal.
Yiyao Jia
Guest
Novak Djokovic is a good tennis player and star. Even though he's not the World Number 1 any more, I'm still his fan. I still love him even though he is not that good anymore.
JGK
Roar Guru
If Andy doesn't win it this year he'll never win it. Meanwhile, I'm hoping Gasquet goes deep.
Scott Pryde
Expert
I don't think Istomin can't quite believe it. 'I feel sorry for Novak. I played so good today. I surprised myself.'
Scott Pryde
Expert
You are kidding me! Denis Istomin has won it in 4 hours and 48 minutes, serving out the match after a tense 5th set. Istomin 7 5 2 7 6 Djokovic 6 7 6 6 4
Nate
Guest
Wow, just wow. Awesome effort! Sucks to be ANZ right now, all that advertising is going to seem hollow these next couple of weeks.
Riordan Lee
Editor
This is spectacular. Those down the line shots are out of control.
Nate
Guest
You thought it was crazy a couple of hours ago Scott. Only getting more so with Istomin up the break in the 5th.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Upset alert then! 1 hour, 25 minutes and Istomin leads Djokovic 1 set to love after a 10-8 tie-breaker. That's the first time Djokovic has lost a set in the opening week of the Australian Open in seven years.
Scott Pryde
Expert
This is just a crazy opening set. 84 minutes and 8-8 in the tie-break.