Novak Djokovic Defeated After Five-Set Loss In Australian Open Second Round

The defending champion was knocked out of the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday losing 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena.

It was six-times champion Djokovic’s earliest elimination from Melbourne Park since his first round exit in 2006.

No. 117-ranked Istomin, who dropped out of the top 100 last year, had never beaten a top 10 player at a Grand Slam tournament. His only previous win in 33 matches against a top 10 player was back in 2012 at Indian Wells, when he beat No. 5 David Ferrer.

“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.”