Australian Open 2017: Novak Djokovic sensationally eliminated by world No117 coached by his own MUM in second round to give Andy Murray huge chance
Reigning champion went down 6-7 7-5 6-2 6-7 4-6 against world Denis Istomin in one of biggest shocks in recent years
NOVAK DJOKOVIC tumbled out of the Aussie Open today - and blew Andy Murray’s path to glory wide open.
The British hero’s nemesis was stunned by World No117 Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan - a man coached by his MUM, Klaudiya - in five unforgettable sets.
And he now has a golden chance of finally clinching the title here after five defeats in five previous finals, four at the hands of Djokovic.
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“I’ve won six titles here and the court’s been so nice to me, so I’m not used to losing in the second round. But you just have to accept it.
“It seemed to turn around in the first couple of games of the fourth set. That’s when I had to take my chances to change things, but I didn’t and he started getting confident.
“Guys wouldn’t be playing me or anyone else if they didn’t believe they can win. Sure, Denis was an underdog but he showed no nerves in the big moments. He hasn’t played that many big matches, but everything came together on the day and he was better.”
Istomin was simply inspired, refusing to quit at two sets to one down and sent Rod Laver Arena into raptures as he pulled off one the greatest shocks in the tournament’s history.
The 30-year-old said: “I feel sorry for Novak. I was just playing so good today I surprised myself!
“Thanks to my team and to mum, for the job they do. There is so much emotion in my mind I cannot hold it together.
“Thank you to all the people who came and supported me.
“From the third set I had cramp, but I managed to get through. It’s the biggest win of my career and now I feel at last I can play with these guys.”
It was an astonishing match from the off, Istomin matching the six-times champ shot for shot, making him run and stretch and graft for every point.
The Uzbeki broke to lead 4-3, only for the Serb to break straight back. It was that kind of opening act, one that seemed destined to go to a tiebreak - and when it did, both men had and lost set points before three unforced errors in a row from Djokovic handed it to the underdog.
Istomin then had chances to put even more pressure on the superstar, but you don’t rack up a truckload of titles by chance. It takes guts, it takes mental strength and Djokovic showed both as he took the second set 7-5.
When he then broke early in the third, the writing seemed to be on the wall. Istomin’s game had dropped dramatically enough and long enough for the overwhelming favourite to start justifying the odds, racing to the third 6-2.
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Yet what courage. What style. What lust for the occasion the 30-year-old from Tashkent showed after that.
He held serve, he broke, he held again and next thing he was 4-1 up, the stands rocking and Djokovic reeling. But falling? Not yet. Back to 4-2, 4-3, 4-4. Then it’s 5-5, 6-6. Tiebreak again.
Incredible drama again.
The opening three points were all against serve, Istomin leading 2-1. In a blur of thrust and parry, it was then 5-1, back to 5-3, then 6-3, back to 6-5.
And now, a massive test of Istomin’s bottle.
Could he serve it out?
Bam. A searing ace. You bet he could.
The place was in a ferment now. Istomin’s heart must have been pounding. As for Djokovic, well, he looked cool - but even this icy character had to be melting inside.
If he wasn’t as they stepped out for the final set, he surely was five games later.
At 2-2, on the Serb’s serve, Istomin picked away until he had break point - and then, magnificently, a whip-cord of a two-handed backhand, the roar rising from his throat as the ball arced inches inside the baseline, and he had the advantage.
Hold his nerve now and victory - impossible, unthinkable victory - was his.
He kept it together to go 4-2 ahead. Back it came to 4-3. At 30-0, a swinging serve is called wide. Istomin challenges. Amidst unbearable tension and then a monster yell from the crowd, the replay gave it in.
The underdog grew another inch taller. He served out for 5-3, edged another inch closer. Djokovic stayed in it, 5-4.
Now, a roar to deafen the Gods. Istomin was stepping up to serve for the match. The whole of Australia seemed to be willing him to glory.
At 40-15, he produced one more thunderous serve, he watched as the return looped up and over the baseline - and as it bounced, he whacked it high into the rafters, following it with another almighty yell as Rod Laver Arena rose to hail a new hero.
Djokovic waited for him at the net, tapping his racquet and nodding in appreciation.