By Justin Chadwick
Alex de Minaur has produced the biggest win of his fledgling career to down world No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the United Cup in Perth.
De Minaur was on fire from the outset of Wednesday night’s match, winning 6-4 6-4 in 93 minutes to give Australia a 1-0 lead in their quarter-final tie against Serbia.
Alex de Minaur on his way to beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the United Cup in Perth.Credit: Getty
Ajla Tomljanovic can secure the tie win for Australia and a spot in the semi-finals with a victory over Natalija Stevanovic in the women’s singles battle.
“It’s extremely special. Novak is an unbelievable competitor,” de Minaur said after breaking the super Serb’s 43-match, six-year winning streak in Australia.
“It feels surreal, it feels amazing. I’m happy to do it here in Perth and Australia.”
Djokovic entered the match under an injury cloud after damaging his wrist while practising on Tuesday morning.
The 24-time grand slam champion overcame the setback to post a 6-1 6-7 (7-3) 6-1 victory over world No.31 Jiri Lehecka later in the day, and he fronted up on Wednesday night for the clash with Australia.
De Minaur was pummelled 6-2 6-1 6-2 by Djokovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open last year, but it was a different story in Wednesday night’s re-match.
The 24-year-old’s frenetic speed and agility continually frustrated Djokovic, who commited a series of unforced errors throughout the match as he battled wrist pain.
Novak Djokovic fell to young Australian Alex de Minaur in a shock loss at the United Cup.Credit: Getty
Djokovic received treatment after being broken in the ninth game of the first set, but it did little to stem the de Minaur onslaught.
The Australian secured his second break of the match in the seventh game of the second set when Djokovic double-faulted.
De Minaur had three match points at 40-0 and 5-4 up, but he blew each one, including with a double fault.
But he earned a fourth match point, and secured the win when Djokovic sent a backhand long.
Although de Minaur defeated Rafael Nadal at last year’s United Cup, the win over Djokovic is even more significant, given the 36-year-old is still at the peak of his powers after winning three of the four slams in 2024.
It represents de Minaur’s maiden win over a world No.1.
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Djokovic is aiming to win an unprecedented 11th Australian Open later this month, but his loss to de Minaur is sure to raise questions about his fitness and form.
De Minaur has spoken about his desire to be known as more than just a player who can move “side to side” well, and the use of his backhand slice during the United Cup has been a big weapon.
His powerful winners have also been a highlight.
“It comes from a lot of people not believing in me,” de Minaur said of his motivation to bring his new weapons to the fore.
“I’m just here to prove a lot of people wrong, trying to get better.
“Ultimately I’m never going to be the biggest or strongest guy, so I’ve got to adapt.
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