Novak Djokovic no longer the dominant force after Denis Istomin shock
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Updated 19/01/2017 at 19:40 GMT
In-depth: Novak Djokovic was shocked by world number 117 Denis Istomin at the Australian Open. But why? And what does it mean?
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after a point against Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin
Image credit: AFP
What happened?
Djokovic, a six-time Australian champion, suffered arguably the biggest upset of his career after he was dumped out in five sets by Istomin.
The Uzbek, 30, was fully deserving of the win, taking it 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4 after four hours and 50 minutes.
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Highlights: Djokovic knocked out in seismic shock as Istomin goes through
It is the first time since Wimbledon in 2008 that the Serb was eliminated in the second round of a Grand Slam, and it marked his earliest exit from the Australian Open since 2006, when, as an 18-year-old, he was eliminated in the first round.
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‘A bad day at the office’ – Djokovic reacts
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Djokovic: It was one of those days, nothing is impossible
Djokovic tried to portray his defeat as merely something that happens in tennis, rather than ascribing any particular significance to it.
“It's one of these days when you don't feel that great on the court, don't have much rhythm, and the player you're playing against is feeling the ball very well," said Djokovic.
"So, you know, that's sport.
I started the season very well. Again, it's a tennis match. On a given day, you can lose. I mean, nothing is impossible.
"What can I do? I did try my best till the last shot, but it didn't work."
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A blip or worrying trend?
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Djokovic congratulates Istomin
Image credit: AFP
Since Djokovic completed his career Grand Slam back at the French Open in June 2016, the Serb’s form has declined alarmingly.
Sam Querrey dumped him out at the third-round stage of Wimbledon before a first-round defeat at the Olympics at the hands of Juan Martin Del Potro.
The 29-year-old would later reveal that private issues had contributed to his slump and seemed to return to form at the US Open, where he made the final before losing to Stan Wawrinka in four sets.
Having been usurped as world number one by Andy Murray at the end of 2016, Djokovic again threatened a return to form by beating the Brit at the Doha Open ahead of the first Slam of the year.
However, another shock loss, to a player who barely made the main draw, points to deep rooted issues and will no doubt re-open the debate over the 12-time Grand Slam winner's mindset.
Djokovic looked infallible just over six months ago and must now put together a consistent run of form to banish doubts that this could be the beginning of a marked decline. It is fair to say this can no longer be dismissed as a blip.
Eurosport expert analyst Boris Becker questioned Djokovic’s fight after the defeat.
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‘Djokovic too defensive, never really fought for it’ – Boris Becker
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AO 2017 : REAX BECKER on Djokovic
Image credit: Eurosport
“I’m really shocked that Novak lost,” Djokovic’s former coach Becker told Eurosport.
I’m still Team Djokovic and I’m just digesting what happened. I thought Djokovic was playing much too defensive and never really took the initiative and never really fought for it.
“Istomin was just too good and didn’t give him a chance. He was very courageous in his play and put him under pressure and merited the win.”
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The beginning of the end?
No, but the era of dominance predicted after the career Grand Slam is looking increasingly unlikely, and the drop in performance level has been as dramatic as it has been surprising.
The Serb, previously so mentally strong, appears to have lost some of that edge since admitting to private issues. Perhaps, with hindsight, the decision to make said issues public was a mistake on Djokovic’s part. It eroded his air of invincibility.
Elite level sport is all about marginal gains and Djokovic may have relinquished a psychological hold he had over the rest of the men’s tour.
Federer’s record of 17 slams had looked decidedly gettable just a few months ago, but just a mere six months later Djokovic no longer looks like the dominant force in men’s tennis.
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