Istomin’s Djoker win blows draw wide open

Uzbek wildcard Denis Istomin has blown the men’s draw wide open after causing the earliest exit of a reigning Australian Open champion in 20 years.

His gruelling five-set win over second seed Novak Djokovic drastically boosts the title chances of No.1 seed and five-time runner-up Andy Murray and those of former champions Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal.

The shock exit of the six-time Australian Open champion also gives hope to dark horses – Belgian David Goffin and Australian Bernard Tomic included.

As Istomin tried to come to terms with his “unreal” win in the second round, he said he would have called anyone crazy if they told him he could beat the world No.2.

“Especially in five sets, for sure,” the world No.117 said.

“For me, it was impossible to think that I can hold it for five sets with Novak, physically and mentally.

“So I did well today.”

The 30-year-old thanked his mother Klaudiya, who’s always been beside him as coach.

“When your family (is) part of your team, it’s great,” he said.

“I was lucky that my mother is coaching me.

“We have good relationship and understand each other very well.”

Istomin had only claimed one set in five previous matches against Djokovic.

Making his win over four hours and 49 minutes all the more remarkable was the Uzbek’s past year.

Injuries and a seven-match losing streak left him out of the top 100 for the first time in six years and battling for an Australian Open spot through December’s Asia-Pacific wildcard playoff.

He warmed up for his 11th Australian Open in humbling conditions – at the $70,000 Bangkok Challenger.

But even at his best, he’s never been world-beating.

Despite a career-high ranking of 33, he’d only once beaten a top-10 player – David Ferrer in 2012 at Indian Wells.

“Maybe now, I will be more known in Uzbekistan,” he said with a grin.

Istomin will look to equal his best grand-slam performance on Saturday when he faces 30th seed Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain.

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