Australian Open: How world no.117 sent Djokovic packing

The 30-year-old Istomin earned a wildcard entry into the Australian Open 2017. Istomin blew the world no.2, who has never tasted defeat in the hands of anyone ranked outside 100, in the Autralian Open.

The World no.2, who is also the defending champions of the Australian Open 2016, Novak Djokovic has been knocked out in the second round by world no.117 Denis Istomin (7-6, 5-7, 2-6, 7-6, and 6-4) at the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday. How often do we experience such shocks in realm of tennis?

It was indeed a tough game for Djokovic. Apart from the third set, he was made to sweat by the 30-year-old Uzbek, who made his entry into this tournament through wildcard.

It was not like Djokovic was poor against Istomin. But he just gave away a number of free points to the Uzbek which made the latter believe that he can achieve the unbelievable and that too in the second round.

You will be surprised to known that Istomin has never gone past the fourth round of any major grand slams in his career. The last time he reached the fourth round was back in Wimbledon and US Open five years ago.

Now this defeat has given Andy Murray a golden opportunity to clinch his maiden Australian Open title after five final defeats, four out of which was against Djokovic.