Alex de Minaur beats Novak Djokovic in massive upset, breaks insane winning streak

Alex de Minaur has defeated Novak Djokovic for the first time in a huge upset, ending the Serbian legend’s insane winning streak in Australia.

Demon ended the Djoker's mega winning streak.

Dare to dream, Demon fans.

Alex de Minaur has defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4 at the United Cup in Perth on Wednesday night, handing the World No. 1 his first loss in Australia since 2018.

Djokovic was troubled by a forearm and wrist niggle and made plenty of unforced errors that opened the door for the top ranked Australian.

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De Minaur had several break point opportunities but it looked like Djokovic had weathered the storm when he survived a marathon game in the first set to make it 4-4.

The 24-year-old Aussie dominated the second set and overcame some nerves to serve out the match after blowing three match points at 5-4 and when he was up 40-0.

It’s the first time de Minaur has defeated Djokovic and he joins Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios as the only Australians to have beaten the Serbian superstar. Bernard Tomic defeated Djokovic at the 2013 Hopman Cup, but the result is not recognised because the event was not aligned with the ATP and WTA tours.

The result ends Djokovic’s insane 43-match winning streak in Australia.

Two-time Australian Open champion Jim Courier was full of praise for de Minaur, who beat American star Taylor Fritz 6-2 6-2 earlier in the United Cup.

Djokovic hadn’t lost in Australia since 2017. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Demon was on fire. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“The way he was able to dominate in the serve was jaw-dropping,” Courier said on Nine’s coverage.

“The rest of his game was behind it. All the versatility, variety, all the things we come to expect, the defence, big foot speed. Everything else, his ability to get to the net.

“To keep Novak off balance with drop shots and slices and topspin lobs and looping shots, he just didn’t give Novak any rhythm and Novak responded with a lot of unforced errors.

“He was frustrated. There’s no doubt about it. A little bit injured it seems. Not enough to affect the speed of his shots. This was a well-earned big time victory for the Demon.”

De Minaur said: “It’s extremely special. Look, Novak is unbelievable competitor and what he’s done for the sport is pretty special. So, it feels surreal. It feels amazing.

“When you go against Novak you’ve just got to go out there, try and enjoy, back yourself no matter what, just keep fighting until the end. Today was my day. I’m happy I was able to get the win.

Great signs from the Demon ahead of the Australian Open. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Djokovic, near unbeatable on the blue hardcourts of Australia, suffered his first defeat down under since he lost to South Korea’s Chung Hyeon in the fourth round of the 2018 Australian Open.

😈

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 3, 2024

Alex de Minaur just beat Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-4, only losing 1 point behind his first serve. GREAT performance by him. Big moment in his career.

It ends Djokovic's crazy 43-match winning streak in Australia.

Djokovic was out of sorts, flat, and struggling with his wrist.

— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) January 3, 2024

🤯 The last time Novak Djokovic lost in Australia was 2,172 days ago at the 2018 Australian Open.

It was to this man, Hyeon Chung #UnitedCuppic.twitter.com/vPmW2qC4OG

— Val Febbo (@VFebbo96) January 3, 2024

Alex de Minaur snaps Djokovic’s extraordinary 43-match winning streak in Australia

January 15, 2019 - January 3, 2024 pic.twitter.com/pejHW2fRAN

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) January 3, 2024

The 24-time grand slam champion has won the Australian Open a record 10 times, but his injury niggles are a concern ahead of the first major of the year, which begins on January 15.

Djokovic received treatment on his arm during the match and looked out of sorts in Perth.

“I think this will ultimately be manageable for him,” Courier said of Djokovic’s arm injury.

“It’s more of a nuisance than anything else. We heard from inside his camp he’s dealt with this before at majors and been able to handle it.

“We know he was able to handle a hamstring issue last year and win going away his 10th Australian Open. I don’t think there’s too much concern for Novak’s fans yet.”

It’s an extremely positive sign for de Minaur, who was beaten by Djokovic in straight sets in the fourth round of last year’s Australian Open and is yet to make it past the quarterfinals of a grand slam.