Novak Djokovic claimed his first Major title at the 2008 Australian Open. Novak has always enjoyed playing Down under, losing only three out of 80 matches since 2011! Djokovic has won the previous 34 encounters in Australia, and the last player who defeated him in this country was Hyeon Chung.
Novak and Hyeon met in the 2018 Australian Open fourth round, and the Korean prevailed 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 in grueling three hours and 21 minutes. It was Hyeon’s eighth Major event in a career, playing well and becoming the first player from his country in a Major quarter-final.
Chung overpowered Djokovic physically and mentally, staying calm in the crucial moments to bring home a career-best triumph. Djokovic competed for the first time since Wimbledon 2017, and his elbow was still bothering him. Novak hit two aces and nine double faults, losing serve six times and squandering 14 out of 19 break chances!
Novak Djokovic has not lost a match in Australia since 2019.
The crowd at Rod Laver Arena had an opportunity to witness mind-blowing baseline rallies, with both players covering the court beautifully and hitting bullets from both wings to create an open space and place the ball out of the rival’s reach.
Novak tasted some of his medicine, as Chung produced an unbelievable level of quickness, flexibility, court movement and ball striking. The young gun refused to surrender in the crucial moments and toppled the more experienced rival to advance into the last eight.
Thus, Novak experienced his second straight early loss at the season’s opening Major after falling to Denis Istomin in the second round 12 months ago. Hyeon mixed his game beautifully. He defended with supreme accuracy and without hesitation in moving forward or going for a winner whenever he was in the right place to do so.
Novak did his best to prolong the match and keep himself in contention for at least another set. However, he could not find a way to break Chung’s resistance. Also, his troubled elbow was there again, preventing him from playing at his best and requiring treatment.
Djokovic missed some routine shots in the crucial moments, and the break point realization also cost him dearly. Five years later, Novak is yet to experience another loss Down under, winning 34 consecutive matches and extending his incredible legacy in Australia.
Novak will be the favorite to claim his tenth Australian Open title in three weeks, hungry to chase the trophy after missing the event in 2022.
