Australia Due to injury, Novak Djokovic lost to Alex De Minaur 4-6, 4-6 in the United Cup quarter-final between Serbia and host Australia on January 3.
The last time Djokovic lost in Australia was at the 2018 Grand Slam against Chung Hyeon, when he had just returned from injury and was in low form. Also affected by the injury, today, January 3, Djokovic lost to De Minaur, in a match where he did not earn a single break-point.
Djokovic played below his best due to injury on January 3, ending his 43-match winning streak in Australia. Photo: AFP
Djokovic suffered wrist pain in the match against Jiri Lehecka in the final round of the group stage yesterday, January 2. The injury worsened in the middle of the first set, forcing the world number one to seek medical attention. When he returned, he could not save the break-point in the pivotal game, leading to a 4-6 loss in the first set.
In the second set, Djokovic continued to play with a lack of energy and made many unforced errors, while De Minaur played better and better. The Australian showed a completely different side compared to his fourth round match at the Australian Open last year against Nole, where De Minaur only won five games in three sets.
A double fault cost Djokovic another service game in the match and he had to chase it down in the second set. Despite trying to level the score at 40-0 after losing three points in the first game of the deciding game, Nole still could not come back, accepting to give up after two sets.
"I think I'm fine," Djokovic said of the injury, as well as his chances at the Australian Open starting on January 14. "The pain affects my serve and forehand, but there's enough time ahead for me to recover for the Australian Open."
Djokovic also said he was not in good physical and mental condition in the first week of the season. He praised De Minaur, although he also admitted that he played below his ability.
Djokovic's defeat left Serbia trailing 1-0 to Australia in the United Cup quarter-finals. The hosts then won the women's singles and mixed doubles to advance 3-0. Australia will face either Greece or Germany in the semi-finals.
Vy Anh
Source link
Comment (0)