Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat in the United Cup on Wednesday. The world number one lost the first game in the quarter-final duel between Serbia and Australia in Perth against Alex de Minaur 4:6 4:6.
As was the case recently, the 36-year-old had to struggle with wrist problems. After Natalija Stevanovic also lost 1:6 against Ajla Tomljanovic, Serbia was eliminated early in the quarter-finals, Australia is in the semi-finals.
United Cup: bankruptcy for Djokovic
After 43 match wins on Australian soil, Djokovic suffered another defeat, most recently at the Australian Open 2018 in Melbourne in the round of 16 against the South Korean Chung Hyeon.
“It’s very special, feels surreal. “Today was my day, the win means a lot to me and I’m happy that I achieved it here in Perth, Australia,” said de Minaur. For the twelfth in the world rankings, it was the biggest victory of his career.
IMAGO/AAP/Richard Wainwright
Poland has already moved on
Like Australia, Poland is in the semi-finals of the mixed competition. The defending champion beat China 3-0. Hubert Hurkacz with a 6:3 6:4 against Zhang Zhizhen and the world number one Iga Swiatek with a 6:2 6:3 against Zheng Qinwen ensured clear conditions. Katarzyna Piter/Jan Zielinski also contributed a point in the doubles with a 6:3 5:7 10:7 against You Xiaodi/Sun Fajing.
