De Minaur ends Djokovic’s 43-match winning streak in Australia

Australian Alex de Minaur defeated world No 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 at the United Cup in Perth on Wednesday, ending the Serbian’s 43-match winning streak on Australian soil.

It was a clinical performance by De Minaur, who served lights-out for the entire match and was miserly when it came to errors. Djokovic, on the other hand, sprayed uncharacteristic errors throughout the one hour, 33 minute encounter as he continued to be bothered by a wrist niggle.

“This one definitely means a lot,” De Minaur declared, in what was his first victory over a world No 1 in his career and which helped to secure Australia’s place in the semi-finals of the team event.

“It’s extremely special. It feels surreal, it feels amazing. I’m happy to do it here in Perth and in Australia.”

New, improved de Minaur too much for lack-lustre Djokovic

When players come up against Djokovic, they know they’ll need to play their very best in order to have a shot at victory.

That’s exactly what de Minaur did, playing breathtaking tennis for an hour and a half. The Australian won an incredible 33 of 34 first serve points, and did not face a single break point all match. Combine this with single-digit unforced errors, plus his usual trademark speed around the court, and this was certainly the best tennis the world No 12 has produced in his career.

“When you face Novak, you’ve got to back yourself and keep fighting until the end,” de Minaur explained on court after his victory. “Today was my day, I’m happy to get the win.”

As well as his incredible serving, de Minaur boasted a newly improved backhand slice, and fantastic touch with the drop shot – both aspects of his game that were lacking in 2023.

“It comes from a lot of people not believing in me. I’m just here to prove people wrong,” de Minaur said.

“Ultimately I’m never going to be the biggest or strongest guy. I’ve got to adapt and show I’ve got variety in my game.”

Djokovic’s wrist injury still bothering him

While de Minaur won the match fair and square, it was clear Djokovic was yet again distracted by his wrist niggle.

On several occasions he received medical attention, even getting into an argument with the physio who appeared hesitant to treat the injury again. The Serbian is scheduled to compete in the mixed doubles later tonight, but again, his participation is in doubt given his physical state.

Australia completed a 3-0 win over Serbia to reach the semi-finals.

Read also

‘Demon’, Hewitt, 109, Acapulco: Everything you always wanted to know about Alex de Minaur (but never had time to find out) – updated after US Open 2024 loss

Tennis Majors