Huge Novak Djokovic streak ended by Alex de Minaur as Australian Open injury fears grow
Alex de Minaur produced a superb performance to defeat Novak Djokovic at the United Cup in Perth as the great Serbian again appeared hampered by a wrist injury.
The Australian downed Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday to earn his first win against the 24-time grand slam champion and maiden victory over a current world No 1.
De Minaur’s triumph ended Djokovic’s incredible 43-match winning streak in matches in Australia, with his previous loss having come against Hyeon Chung at the 2018 Australian Open.
The world No 12 earned a single break in each set and converted his fourth match point to serve out for the win after a slightly nervy final game.
The 24-year-old, who is not known for his serving prowess, remarkably won 33 of his 34 first serve points (97%) and did not face a break point in the match against the game’s greatest returner.
Alex de Minaur snaps Djokovic’s extraordinary 43-match winning streak in Australia
January 15, 2019 – January 3, 2024 pic.twitter.com/pejHW2fRAN
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 3, 2024
Djokovic looked out of sorts throughout the contest and was troubled again by the wrist injury that had bothered him in his three-set win over Jiri Lehecka the day prior.
During his match with de Minaur, the 36-year-old told the physio – who strangely appeared to deny him treatment on his wrist – that his injury was getting worse “the more I’m playing.”
This admission about the injury worsening through playing has to be a concern for Djokovic’s fans – with the Australian Open set to start on January 14. Djokovic is a 10-time Australian Open winner and the defending champion.
Following the biggest win of his career, de Minaur expressed what beating Djokovic meant to him and admitted he thought the match could not be as bad as his heavy 2023 Australian Open loss to the Serb.
“I mean it’s extremely special. Look, Novak is an unbelievable competitor and what he’s done for the sport is pretty special. It feels surreal, it feels amazing. I’m happy to do it here in Perth and in Australia,” the Australian said in his on-court interview with Jim Courier.
“Well it couldn’t get any worse, I guess. Ultimately, when you go against Novak you just gotta go out there, try enjoy, back yourself no matter what and just keep fighting until the end. Today was my day, I’m happy I was able to get the win. This one definitely means a lot.”
In his press conference, de Minaur was asked about being visibly less animated than in his previous match against Taylor Fritz.
“Yeah, look, I mean, ultimately it’s tough for me to go out there and start getting animated from the very first point when last time we played a year ago I got taught an absolute lesson on Rod Laver Arena, right?,” the 24-year-old said.
“So at this stage I’m just going about my business, trying not to poke the bear, trying to go point by point, focus on what I’m trying to do. Ultimately I thought I
played exactly the way I needed to.
“I served unbelievable technically for my standards. I was able to apply pressure when I needed to, and stay solid, and do exactly what the game plan was. Very happy with that.”
