Wildcard sends Djokovic packing
Six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has been upset in a shocking second-round loss to Uzbekistan wildcard Denis Istomin.
Djokovic was aiming to be the first man to win the Australian title seven times, and had never dropped a set in six previous meetings against Istomin.
It was destined to be a long day on Rod Laver Arena for Djokovic, though, when he needed 24 serves and a quarter of an hour to hold in the first game, saving six break points.
After 4 hours and 48 minutes, he sent a service return long to give No 117ranked Istomin a 7-6 (8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 win.
‘‘All the credit to Denis for playing amazing. He deserves to win,’’ Djokovic said. ‘‘He was the better player in the clutch moments — he stepped it up and played aggressive.
‘‘Obviously, I was not pleased with my performance overall, but I have to congratulate my opponent. Whenever he needed — he came up with a big serve, big play.’’
Istomin, who dropped out of the top 100 last year, had never beaten a top 10 player at a grand slam tournament.
‘‘It is the biggest win for me. It means so much,’’ Istomin said. ‘‘Now I feel I can play with these guys, and to be with them on the same level.’’
His only previous win in 33 matches against a top 10 player was in 2012, when he beat No 5 David Ferrer.
Djokovic had won five of the previous six Australian Open championships, and had reached the fourth round or better every year since 2007 — the year before he won his first grand slam title at Melbourne Park.
‘‘I’m not used to losing Australian Open second round — I’ve done so well here.’’
The last time he’d failed to advance beyond the second round at a major was at Wimbledon in 2008, when he was seeded third and lost to then No 75-ranked Marat Safin, a two-time grand slam champion.
When Djokovic’s last ball floated long, the crowd leapt up and cheered as Istomin thrust his arms into the air.
‘‘First of all, I feel sorry for Novak. I was playing so good today,’’ Istomin said. ‘‘I surprised myself, as well.’’
The 30-year-old Istomin will play No 30 Pablo Carreno Busta.
Asked what he’d take out of the match, Djokovic said he’d take his bags and go home.