In an instant, 25 years of hard graft were rewarded when Denis Istomin scored the biggest win of his career over Novak Djokovic, Mr Australian Open. It justified his persistence, dedication and perseverance as a pro. “It means so much for me, of course, to beat the World No. 2,” said Istomin, following his five-set win on Thursday. “I just I hope that is not the only one victory of mine. I will try to keep going the same way and trying to win some more.” The World No. 117 never expected to out-perform the six-time champion at Melbourne Park, but he did believe he could compete. “If you don't think that you have a chance, then there is no...
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...
David Goffin, the 5’11” No. 11 seed, will take on big-serving 6’11” goliath and No. 20 seed Ivo Karlovic for the first time on Saturday in the Australian Open third round. Goffin cruised past 38-year-old qualifier Radek Stepanek 6-4, 6-0, 6-3, converting seven of his 13 break point opportunities. The 37-year-old Karlovic struck 19 aces (now 94 for the tournament) in a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Australian wild card Andrew Whittington to reach the third round for the third time (also 2008, 2012). Eighth seed Dominic Thiem was made to work for his 6-2, 6-1, 6-7(6), 6-4 second-round victory against Jordan Thompson, the Australian wild card, on Thursday at Melbourne Park. The Austrian could not convert his first match...