As Novak Djokovic conducts his last formalities at the Australian Open following his shock loss to Denis Istomin in the second round, the Serbian has still managed to exit Melbourne with his head held high.
Facing world No.117 Istomin, the current champion was outplayed in five sets to suffered his earliest exit at the Australian Open since 2006. The outcome sent shockwaves around Melbourne Park. Not only has it further underlined Andy Murray’s world No.1 position, it ends the successful run of a player who has lifted the trophy in five out of the last six years.
“All the credit to Denis for playing amazing. He deserved to win. No doubt, he was a better player in the clutch moments. He stepped it up, played aggressive. Served very well, very precise. There’s not much I could do.” Said Djokovic.
“Of course, I was not pleased with my performance overall. But, I have to congratulate my opponent today.”
Djokovic’s calm and collective reflection of the match is one to admire. He could have blamed his error count of 72 or he could have blamed the court officials in which he encountered numerous confrontations with during his time on the Rod Laver Arena. Instead, he chose the high road and praised his Uzbek Opponent, who Djokovic had previously beaten on five occasions.
“There was intensity (in the match). We played four-and-a-half hours. It’s just that it’s one of these days when you don’t feel that great on the court, don’t have much rhythm, and the player you’re playing against is feeling the ball very well.”
The unexpected end to his Australian campaign has occurred only weeks after he showed signs of returning to his best. Hampered by mental and physical issues throughout the second half of 2016, the world No.2 began the season by defeating Murray to retain his Doha title. Evidently the momentum was in Djokovic’s favour, but he was the first to admit that is doesn’t guarantee anything.
“I started the season very well. Again, it’s a tennis match. On a given day, you can lose. I mean, nothing is impossible. There is over a hundred players playing in the main draw. I guess the quality of tennis keeps rising each year. Everybody becomes more professional. I guess they improve. They get better on the court.” He explained.
Remaining coy about his scheduling commitments this season, Djokovic will go home and spend time with his family as he mulls over his latest loss.
The future remains one filled with intrigue for the Serbian, but his noble appreciation for lower ranked players is an example that many others could follow, particularly former world No.1 John McEnroe.
JMac, on Istomin: “He probably won’t win! Can you imagine the next event he plays in Kazakhstan with 40 people there?” This disrespect.
— Victoria Chiesa (@vrcsports) 19 January 2017
Even in defeat, Djokovic has the ability to teach and inspire a generation of young players. This is why he exits Melbourne as a loser on the court, but a winner off.
