PERTH: Alex de Minaur laid down a surprise marker for his 2024 season on Wednesday when he defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 to give hosts Australia a 1-0 lead in the quarter-finals against Serbia in the United Gave the lead. cup.
De Minaur produced a top-class all-around performance, during which she won 33 out of 34 points on the back of the first serve, securing the biggest win of her career in 94 minutes.
“It’s extra special. Novak is an incredible competitor and what he’s done for the sport is very special. It feels unreal, amazing, and I’m so happy to do it here in Perth and Australia.”
De Minaur said, “When you go up against Novak you have to go out and enjoy it and support yourself and keep fighting until the end. Today was my day and I’m happy to get the win.” I was successful.” ,
This was Djokovic’s first loss in Australia since losing to Hyeon Chung in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Australian Open. The Serbian great was well below the level he showed in the season-opening wins against Zhang Zizhen and Jiri Lehecka in Perth, and he was again struggling with a right wrist problem that required him to seek medical time-off against Lehecka on Tuesday. Had to be out.
With his win against Djokovic, de Minaur took Australia to within one win of the semi-finals on home soil in the mixed teams event. Her teammate Ajla Tomljanovic can book a ticket to the last four for Australia in Sydney by defeating Natalija Stevanovic in the next WTA singles match inside the RAC Arena.
