Novak Djokovic knocked out of Australian Open

Uzbek Denis Istomin pulled off an Australian Open upset for the ages when he sent reigning champion Novak Djokovic tumbling out of the year’s first grand slam in a near five-hour epic on Thursday.

The 30-year-old world number 117 played the match of his life to hand the six-times champion only his second defeat in seven years at Melbourne Park with a 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4 second-round win on Rod Laver Arena.

Istomin let out a huge roar of delight when he ensured Djokovic’s earliest exit from the tournament in more than a decade, the 12-times grand slam champion sending a service return long to end the contest after four hours and 50 minutes.

“First of all I feel sorry for Novak. I was playing so good today,” Istomin said on court.

“I mean, I surprised myself also today. I want to thank my team … who do a good job. Amazing. So much emotion on my mind so I cannot hold it you know but I want to say thanks very much for coming to support me.”

Denis the Menace!

World No.117 #Istomin stuns 6-time champ #Djokovic 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4 in the second round.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/KtWJ2EnAD8

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2017