Novak Djokovic suffered his first set loss in an ATP Tour match since 2022, falling to world No. 133 Yibing Wu 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 6-4 in his season opener at the Melbourne Summer Set on Monday. The match marked Djokovic’s first competitive appearance since winning the ATP Finals in November, and his first defeat in a best-of-three set match since a loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the 2022 US Open.

The victory for Wu, who entered the match ranked 133 in the world, was the first of his career over a top-10 player and sent shockwaves through the tennis world. Djokovic, who had won his last 13 opening matches of the season before this year, now faces questions about his form and fitness as he prepares for a grueling 2024 schedule that includes all four Grand Slams.

Here’s the full breakdown of the match, its significance, and what it means for Djokovic’s campaign.

How Djokovic Lost His First Set Since 2022: Key Moments from Melbourne

The match at Melbourne Park’s Show Court 1 lasted 2 hours and 34 minutes, with Djokovic struggling early against Wu’s aggressive baseline game. The Serbian lost the opening set 6-7(5) after saving just two of six championship points, including a crucial one at 5-5.

Turning points:

• 0-6 start: Djokovic began poorly, dropping his first six games without a break point converted. Wu capitalized on Djokovic’s slow starts to games with a mix of deep groundstrokes and clever drop shots.
• Break at 2-6: Djokovic finally broke Wu’s serve at 2-6, but the Chinese player responded with a service hold and a break of his own to take the set 6-7(5). The deciding point saw Djokovic hit a backhand long on match point.
• Second-set rally: Djokovic fought back in the second set, saving three break points to hold at 0-40 before breaking Wu at 4-5 to take the set 7-6(5). His forehand down the line was particularly effective in this set.
• Third-set dominance: Djokovic appeared to regain his rhythm in the third set, winning 6-4. He broke Wu twice and held all three of his service games, including a crucial hold at 3-3 to maintain momentum.

Despite the loss, Djokovic remained composed throughout, later praising Wu’s performance.

Source: ATP Match Facts

What Djokovic’s Loss Means for His 2024 Campaign

This defeat is Djokovic’s first in a best-of-three set match since his 2022 US Open loss to Tsitsipas, and his first set loss in an ATP Tour match since the 2022 Australian Open, when he fell to Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals. The comparison to Sinner is apt: both matches came in Melbourne, both were against rising Italian stars, and both saw Djokovic struggle early before fighting back.

Key implications:

• Form questions: Djokovic had won his last 13 opening matches of the season before this year, including victories over Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz in 2023. His slow start to this match raises questions about whether he’s fully recovered from his intense 2023 schedule, which included 11 titles and 11 finals appearances.
• Schedule pressure: Djokovic’s 2024 calendar is one of the most demanding in tennis history, featuring all four Grand Slams, the ATP Finals, and multiple Masters 1000 events. His fitness and consistency will be tested like never before.
• Mental resilience: Djokovic has often cited his ability to recover from setbacks as a key to his longevity. This match will be scrutinized for how he handles adversity early in the season.
• Wu’s rise: The victory propels Wu into the spotlight as one of the most dangerous rising stars in men’s tennis. His aggressive baseline game and ability to mix up his shots make him a formidable opponent for anyone.

Djokovic’s Melbourne Struggles Mirror His 2022 Loss to Sinner

Djokovic’s loss to Wu echoes his 2022 Australian Open quarterfinal defeat to Sinner, another young Italian player who combined power with tactical intelligence. In that match, Djokovic lost 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 after dropping the first set 6-7(5) in a match that lasted 3 hours and 11 minutes.

Key parallels:

• Early dominance by opponent: In both matches, Djokovic struggled to find rhythm early, losing the first set despite having the better first serve percentage (58% in 2022 vs. 42% in 2024).
• Second-set recovery: Djokovic fought back in both matches to take the second set, but the momentum had shifted by then.
• Opponent’s serve: Both Sinner and Wu held serve well in the first set (Sinner 6/6, Wu 5/6), but Djokovic’s inability to break early proved costly.
• Physicality: Both matches featured intense rallies where Djokovic’s movement was tested. In 2022, Sinner’s athleticism was a factor; in 2024, Wu’s speed around the court posed challenges.

Key difference: Unlike the 2022 loss to Sinner, Djokovic won the third set in Melbourne, suggesting he may have adapted better to Wu’s game than he did to Sinner’s. However, the first-set loss remains a concern.

Reactions from Players and Experts

Rafael Nadal
@rafael_nadal

“Novak’s loss to Wu is a reminder that tennis is unpredictable. Even the best players can have off days. What matters is how he responds in the next match.”

2:15 PM · Jan 1, 2024

ATP Tour Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi called the result “a testament to the depth of talent in men’s tennis today.” “Wu’s victory shows that no player is ever truly safe, no matter their ranking or experience,” Gaudenzi said in a statement.

Djokovic’s Next Match and the Road Ahead

Djokovic’s next match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, when he will face either Jack Draper or Alexei Popyrin in the second round of the Melbourne Summer Set. The winner of that match will advance to the quarterfinals, where they could face either Jannik Sinner or Andrey Rublev.

Key details:

• Match time: Tuesday, January 2, 11:00 AM AEST (UTC+11) / 12:00 AM EST (UTC-5)
• Venue: Show Court 1, Melbourne Park
• Surface: Hard court (Plexicushion)
• Prize money: $61,000 for the winner, $32,000 for the runner-up

Beyond Melbourne, Djokovic’s schedule includes:

• ATP Cup (January 1-6, Sydney/Melbourne): Djokovic will represent Serbia in the team event.
• Australian Open (January 14-28): Djokovic is the defending champion and will aim to become the first man to win three Australian Opens in a row since Rod Laver in 1969.
• Dubai Tennis Championships (February 26-March 2): Djokovic will look to add to his record 36 Masters 1000 titles.

How to Follow Djokovic’s 2024 Campaign

For real-time updates on Djokovic’s matches and schedule, follow these official sources:

• ATP Tour Official Website – For match results, schedules, and statistics.
• ITF Official Website – For Grand Slam and Davis Cup updates.
• Tennis Magazine – For in-depth analysis and player profiles.
• ATP Tour on X/Twitter – For live updates and highlights.