Alex de Minaur ends injured Word No. 1 Djokovic’s 43-match winning streak with 6-4, 6-4 win in quarters; Serbian keen to get fit in time for Aus Open
Minaur plays a backhand against Djokovic in Perth yesterday; (right) Novak Djokovic stretches his right wrist. Pics/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic suffered a frustrating fitness saga as a wrist problem led to the Serb’s upset 6-4, 6-4 loss to Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals of the United Cup in Perth on Wednesday.
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Djokovic, who received multiple massages on court on his troublesome right wrist—hurt in training 24 hours earlier—fell victim to an inspired de Minaur, who led his side into the weekend semi-finals in Sydney. Ajla Tomljanovic then sealed the 2-0 win for the team with her 6-1, 6-1 defeat of Serb 184th-ranked substitute Natalija Stevanovic. Stevanovic had replaced an exhausted Olga Danilovic, who featured in previous ties here alongside Djokovic.
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World No. 1 Djokovic produced 31 unforced errors as his 43-match win streak in Australia was ended after 93 minutes on court against de Minaur. “I was not on my level, it was just one of these days where you didn’t feel your best,” Djokovic said.
“Your opponent played very well. That’s all I can say. I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open, and that’s what matters the most at this point. I knew I was not going to be at 100 per cent physically, emotionally, mentally game-wise in the opening week of a season. It’s all a part of the build-up for the Australian Open, that’s where I want to perform at my best,” added Djokovic Victory marked revenge for the low-key de Minaur, beaten by Djokovic a year ago at the Australian Open.
Minaur, 24, was recording his first victory over a World No.1, adding Djokovic to a list which also includes Rafael Nadal, the number two whom he beat here a year ago. “This was extremely special, Novak is an unbelievable competitor. This feels surreal. This one means a lot.”
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