Novak Djokovic’s reaction after his shock second-round exit at the Australian Open? Quite simply “hats off” to Denis Istomin.
“Whenever he needed to, he came up with a big serve, a big play. All I can say is hats off,” said the six-time Australian Open champion. “Him playing this well, it’s amazing. He played obviously above his level. You got to give him credit for that. Many things came together for him today. He's a well-deserved winner.
“It was one of these days when you don't feel that great on the court, don't have much rhythm, and the player you're playing against is feeling the ball very well.
“That's sport.”
His loss to World No. 117 Istomin marks only the second time in the past seven years that the Serbian has been defeated by a player outside the Top 100. But it also means his bid to replace Andy Murray and return to No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings took a hit.
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Djokovic knew the danger he faced in Istomin, who won his lone ATP World Tour title in Nottingham in 2015. “I never underestimate any opponent. Doesn't matter which tournament I play or in which round. I try to give the best that I can. I have respect for everybody.
“It's a tennis match. On a given day, you can lose. Nothing is impossible. There is over a hundred players playing in the main draw. I guess the quality of tennis keeps rising each year. Everybody becomes more professional. I guess they improve. They get better on the court.”
After dropping the first set, Djokovic looked set to turn the match around as he clinched the next two sets and had break point chance early in the fourth set. But after Djokovic failed to capitalise, Istomin seized the momentum.
“It seemed like in the third set I felt comfortable,” reflected Djokovic. “I had a break point in the opening of the fourth set. Missed an easy forehand. The match turned around. Maybe late in the fourth set something could have happened. But I didn't really have a clear chance, to be honest. What can I do? I did try my best till the last shot, but it didn't work.
“I'm not used to losing in the Australian Open second round,” admitted Djokovic, who has a 58-7 record at Melbourne Park. “I've always played so well. Throughout the past 10 years, I've won six titles here. This court has been so nice to me. I enjoyed it very much.
“Of course, it's disappointing. But the end of the day I have to accept it.”
It is the first time that 29-year-old Djokovic has gone three Grand Slam championships without picking up a title since between 2013 Roland Garros and 2014 Wimbledon.