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Alex de Minaur defeats Novak Djokovic, Ajla Tomljanović beats Natalija Stevanovic for Australia to advance at United Cup in Perth


Alex de Minaur has produced the biggest win of his fledgling career, downing world number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the United Cup.

De Minaur was on fire from the outset of Wednesday night’s match in Perth, winning 6-4 6-4 in 93 minutes to give Australia a 1-0 lead in their quarter-final tie against Serbia.

“It’s extremely special. Novak is an unbelievable competitor,” de Minaur said after breaking the super Serbian’s 43-match, six-year winning streak in Australia.

“It feels surreal, it feels amazing. I’m happy to do it here in Perth and Australia.”

Ajla Tomljanović secured victory for Australia and a spot in the semi-finals with a 6-1 6-1 win over world number 184 Natalija Stevanovic in a 64-minute masterclass.

A woman wearing yellow and green swings her tennis racquet to hit a ball.

Ajla Tomljanović defeated Natalija Stevanovic in a 64-minute masterclass in Perth on Wednesday night.(AAP Image: Richard Wainwright)

The higher-ranked Olga Danilovic was slated to play the women’s singles for Serbia, but pulled out due to fatigue.

Djokovic entered the match under an injury cloud, after damaging his wrist while practising on Tuesday morning.

A man dressed in red swings for a tennis ball with a racquet.

Novak Djokovic entered the match under an injury cloud after damaging his wrist while practising on Tuesday morning.(AAP Image: Richard Wainwright)

The 24-time grand slam champion said the injury affected him during Wednesday night’s match, but he hopes it won’t impact his Australian Open campaign.

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“It did have quite an impact (tonight), particularly on the forehand and serve,” Djokovic said.

“Again, I don’t want to be spending too much time talking about it and taking away credit from de Minaur.

“I mean, he was just very solid, as he always is. Congrats to him, to the Australian team.”

The 24-year-old’s frenetic speed and agility continually frustrated Djokovic, who committed a series of unforced errors throughout the match as he battled wrist pain.

Djokovic received treatment after being broken in the ninth game of the first set, but it did little to stem the de Minaur onslaught.

The Australian secured his second break of the match in the seventh game of the second set when Djokovic double faulted.



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