Top seeds Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut successfully began their Australian Open title quest, advancing to the second round with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Adrian Mannarino and Adil Shamasdin in exactly one hour on Thursday. The all-French duo next face Jerzy Janowicz and Marcin Matkowski. Sam Querrey and Donald Young caused the biggest upset in the doubles draw thus far, ousting defending champions and second seeds Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares in the first round. The Americans needed to capitalise on just their one break point chance in the 72-minute match for a 6-3, 7-6(5) win over the British/Brazilian team. Next up for Querrey and Young in the second round is the all-Russian duo of #NextGenATP star Karen Khachanov...
In an instant, 25 years of hard graft were rewarded when Denis Istomin scored the biggest win of his career over Novak Djokovic, Mr Australian Open. It justified his persistence, dedication and perseverance as a pro. “It means so much for me, of course, to beat the World No. 2,” said Istomin, following his five-set win on Thursday. “I just I hope that is not the only one victory of mine. I will try to keep going the same way and trying to win some more.” The World No. 117 never expected to out-perform the six-time champion at Melbourne Park, but he did believe he could compete. “If you don't think that you have a chance, then there is no...
Novak Djokovic’s reaction after his shock second-round exit at the Australian Open? Quite simply “hats off” to Denis Istomin. “Whenever he needed to, he came up with a big serve, a big play. All I can say is hats off,” said the six-time Australian Open champion. “Him playing this well, it’s amazing. He played obviously above his level. You got to give him credit for that. Many things came together for him today. He's a well-deserved winner. “It was 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. “That's sport.” His loss to World No. 117 Istomin marks only the...