Cabeza del Demonio
Professional
Coming in at #18 on the list of Australian Open Classics is one of tennis history's greatest upsets, a stunner that truly nobody could have seen coming. Novak Djokovic had ruled the courts of Melbourne Park for 6 years now, going 40-1 and reigning supreme over the top competition with a pristine 8-0 record against the Big 4. Istomin, ranked #117 in the world, had seemingly less than a 0% chance on paper.
But after an epic first game that Djokovic survived after facing down several break points, Istomin proved he was not fazed by the challenge. He played fearless powerful tennis to take the 1st set in a tiebreak. But as all champions do, Djokovic sensed the danger and struck back with a vintage shotmaking display to claim the next 2 sets.
Any illusions that order had been restored were shattered when Istomin broke right back in the 4th. Djokovic fought back, displaying his trademark athleticism to level the set, but his efforts were in vain as Istomin kept the pressure on and forced a decider. The stunned commentators and the capacity Melbourne crowd waited for that inevitable drop in the Uzbek journeyman's level, but it never came. A scorching backhand down the line delivered Istomin the decisive break, and he coolly served it out to take down the 6-time champion in arguably the biggest upset in Grand Slam history, 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4.
The loss brought an end to Djokovic's unparalleled AO dominance, and irreparably dented his confidence. He went without a big title in 2017 and sank to #22 in the world by 2018, while Istomin faded back into obscurity after scoring the win of his life.
Enjoy!
But after an epic first game that Djokovic survived after facing down several break points, Istomin proved he was not fazed by the challenge. He played fearless powerful tennis to take the 1st set in a tiebreak. But as all champions do, Djokovic sensed the danger and struck back with a vintage shotmaking display to claim the next 2 sets.
Any illusions that order had been restored were shattered when Istomin broke right back in the 4th. Djokovic fought back, displaying his trademark athleticism to level the set, but his efforts were in vain as Istomin kept the pressure on and forced a decider. The stunned commentators and the capacity Melbourne crowd waited for that inevitable drop in the Uzbek journeyman's level, but it never came. A scorching backhand down the line delivered Istomin the decisive break, and he coolly served it out to take down the 6-time champion in arguably the biggest upset in Grand Slam history, 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4.
The loss brought an end to Djokovic's unparalleled AO dominance, and irreparably dented his confidence. He went without a big title in 2017 and sank to #22 in the world by 2018, while Istomin faded back into obscurity after scoring the win of his life.
Enjoy!
Last edited: