Staff Reporter.
Novak Djokovic slumped to his first defeat of the season and first in Australia for six years with a stunning 6-4, 6-4 loss to Alex de Minaur who gave Australia a 1-0 lead over Serbia in their United Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.
Djokovic was on a 43-match winning run in Australia and preparing for a tilt at an 11th Melbourne Park title having last lost in the country to Hyeon Chung in the fourth round of the 2018 edition when he was plagued by an elbow issue.
It was the Serb’s first defeat in Australia since 2018 and comes 11 days before he begins the defence of his Australian Open title from 14 January.
“It’s extremely special,” De Minaur, the world No 12, said about the biggest win of his career. “Novak’s an unbelievable competitor and what he’s done for the sport is pretty special. It feels surreal, it feels amazing and I’m happy to do it here in Perth and in Australia.
“Ultimately when you go against Novak, you’ve just got to go out there, try and enjoy, back yourself and no matter what, keep fighting till the end. Today was my day. I’m happy I was able to get the win. This one definitely means a lot.”
Ajla Tomljanovic beat Natalija Stevanovic in the second match of the tie to secure Australia’s victory.
They will meet Germany or Greece in the last four.
Djokovic needed treatment on a wrist issue during Serbia’s victory over Czech Republic on Tuesday and had more treatment before world number 12 De Minaur broke serve late in the first set.
De Minaur broke again for a 4-3 lead in the second set and, despite saving three match points, Djokovic was unable to get back on terms.
Top seeds Poland reached the semi-finals with a comfortable win over China – Hurbert Hurkacz eased past Zhang Zhizhen 6-3 6-4 and women’s world number one Iga Swiatek beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2 6-3.
Greece secured their quarter-final spot by beating Canada with Stefanos Tsitsipas overcoming Steven Diez 6-2 6-3 and Maria Sakkari sealing a 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory over Leylah Fernandez.
Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino guided France into the quarter-finals by beating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Sonego respectively. They will face Norway with the winner meeting Poland.