Novak Djokovic faced a setback in his preparation for the upcoming Australian Open, enduring a wrist injury during a surprising 6-4, 6-4 defeat to local favorite Alex de Minaur at the United Cup. The loss marked Djokovic’s first in Australia since 2018 and raised concerns about his fitness as he eyes an 11th Australian Open title when the major tournament commences on January 14.
During the quarter-final clash between Australia and Serbia, De Minaur secured a significant victory over the 24-time Grand Slam champion, avenging his previous year’s Australian Open defeat. The Australian emerged triumphant in one hour and 34 minutes, preventing Djokovic from securing a single break point on his serve and capitalizing on two of his five break opportunities.
De Minaur’s dominance was showcased by winning 33 of 34 points on his first serve, demonstrating accuracy and authority on the court. Djokovic’s struggles, coupled with the wrist injury, have added uncertainty to his readiness for the Australian Open, with the world eagerly anticipating his latest title defense.
Reflecting on his historic win, De Minaur expressed the significance of defeating a tennis legend like Djokovic. He acknowledged Djokovic’s contributions to the sport but emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and proving doubters wrong. De Minaur highlighted his diverse playing style and adaptability, underscoring the importance of showcasing different facets of the game.
As Djokovic faces a race against time to recover for the upcoming major tournament, De Minaur’s triumph adds a layer of unpredictability to the Australian Open, creating anticipation for how the Serb will navigate this unexpected challenge in his quest for tennis glory.