Alex de Minaur claims another win over the defending champion

Novak Djokovic, who has stated his love of night sessions at the Australian Open, finally isn’t getting his own way in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur. Photos: AFP and Getty Images

Novak Djokovic is used to getting his own way at the Australian Open.

For a player that can boast an extraordinary 10 titles at Melbourne Park, light years ahead of the next best, Roger Federer and Roy Emerson (both six), Djokovic has earned that right.

One thing he particularly relishes at the year’s opening grand slam is playing night matches on Rod Laver Arena.

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“I love the conditions here, particularly in the night sessions,” Djokovic told Jelena Dokic during last year’s Open.

“It’s played really well for me … for my style of tennis. And I guess the more you win on the court, the more confident you feel every next time you step on the court.”

On Sunday, he will again contest a fourth round match against Adrian Mannarino on Rod Laver Arena, but this time he might need a hat.

It’s been a long time since Novak Djokovic has needed a hat during a match at the Australian Open. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Organisers have opted to give Australian hope Alex de Minaur the prized night session on the tournament’s main court on Sunday, for his clash with fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

Djokovic has instead been scheduled for the second match during the day, reportedly ending a run of 15 straight night matches for the Serbian, all of which he has won, dating back to 2021.

His last Australian Open loss - other than his defeat at the hands of Australian border officials in 2022 - came way back in 2018 in a straight sets, fourth round stunner against Korean Hyeon Chung.

The decision is a boost for De Minaur, the likeable Aussie who gives the impression he’d still be happy playing on an uneven court with a broken net in downtown Death Valley.

But he acknowledged after his third-round win over Flavio Cobolli the quicker Rod Laver Arena court would suit his game.

De Minaur’s popularity has soared in recent months. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

“(John Cain Arena) felt a little bit slower than RLA,” he said on Friday night.

“Playing on a different court today made it a little bit tricky for me to find my footing and my timing in certain shots.

“I would love to play on RLA. Obviously that prime time slot is pretty special and you’ve got to earn it.

“If the organisers decide to put me there, then I’ll be happy to play on it.

“But ultimately it doesn’t really matter when I play – whether I play first match, whether I play last, whether I play on RLA or court 27.”

De Minaur, who beat Djokovic at the United Cup in Perth earlier this month, will be in prime time when he takes on Rublev for a shot at a first quarter-final appearance at his home grand slam.

For Australian tv, De Minaur/Rublev is going to be the big ratings
They want that in prime time

— Maria Panova (@notsleeeping) January 20, 2024

Not often Djokovic does not get his preferred night slot on Rod Laver Arena but they've bumped him to the day session tomorrow in favour of Alex De Minaur. If Demon and Novak both make the quarters that day/night schedule is going to be an interesting call indeed. #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/PBrPDZllyR

— Neil McMahon (@NeilMcMahon) January 20, 2024

Djokovic, meanwhile, will still be heavily favoured in his clash with veteran Mannarino.

The Frenchman, who won the crowd over following his third-round win against Ben Shelton on Friday by admitting tequila had become a new part of his repertoire, has been taken to five sets in all three of his matches to date.

It’s also a short turnaround as he was on court hours after Djokovic had finished off Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets that same night.

However the players are feeling heading into the match, Djokovic might be a little hot under the collar over his daytime demotion.