Djokovic Dethroned! De Minaur Stuns World No. 1 in United Cup Upset (Image of Alex de Minaur celebrating his victory over Novak Djokovic)

In an astonishing 6-4, 6-4 loss to Alex de Minaur, Novak Djokovic suffered his first defeat of the year and his first in Australia in six years. Minaur's victory set Australia on track for a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their United Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The world No. 1 had his right wrist examined again by a trainer after Djokovic's injury during Serbia's triumph against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. De Minaur then won a late break and the first set.

Although Djokovic, the winner of the Australian Open, saved three match chances after dropping service once again to give De Minaur a 4-3 lead in the second set, he was unable to stop the shocking defeat ahead of this month's first Grand Slam of the year.

Having won 43 straight matches in Australia, Djokovic was gearing up to compete for an 11th Melbourne Park championship. He had previously lost there to Chung Hyeon in the 2018 edition's fourth round due to an elbow injury.

World No. 12 De Minaur, who defeated a world No. 1 by winning 33 of 34 points behind his opening serve, described the situation as "very special."

"Novak is an amazing competitor, and his contributions to the sport are truly remarkable." I'm glad to be doing it in Perth, Australia; it feels fantastic and weird.

"In the end, all it takes to defeat Novak is to go in, try to have fun, have faith in yourself, and fight through to the very finish. It was my day today. I'm glad I managed to prevail. This one is quite significant.

In addition, De Minaur became the first player from Australia to overcome a world No. 1 since Nick Kyrgios defeated Daniil Medvedev at the US Open in 2022.

Ajla Tomljanovic defeated Natalija Stevanovic 6-1, 6-1 to seal the tie and a place in the round of four for Australia.

best seeds The big-hitting Hubert Hurkacz easily defeated Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-4, while Iga Swiatek overcame Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 6-3, after Poland had previously defeated China to advance to the 18-team tournament semifinals.

In the competition, which the world number one is using to get ready for the Australian Open this month, Swiatek won singles for the third time in a row.

France defeated Italy to advance to the quarterfinals, led by Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino.

World No. 20 Garcia defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, after Mannarino's 6-4, 6-4 victory against Lorenzo Sonego in the Group D match.