In Perth, Australia, Novak Djokovic faced ongoing challenges with his wrist injury as Australia surprised Serbia with a 3-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the United Cup on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Poland secured a spot in the semifinals with a 3-0 win over China, and France and Greece advanced to the quarterfinals by sweeping Italy and Canada, respectively.
Despite his struggles with a right wrist issue throughout the tournament, Djokovic managed to overcome Jiri Lehecka in Serbia’s prior Group E match against the Czech Republic.
In Perth, Australia, Novak Djokovic continued to grapple with a wrist injury as Australia surprised Serbia with a 3-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the United Cup on Wednesday. Poland secured a spot in the semifinals with a 3-0 win over China, while France and Greece completed sweeps of Italy and Canada, respectively, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Despite overcoming Jiri Lehecka in Serbia’s previous Group E match against the Czech Republic, world No. 1, Djokovic, struggled against Alex de Minaur. The Australians utilized superb defense and a dominant serve to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Djokovic, visibly in discomfort, received physiotherapy treatment twice during the first set. This loss marked Djokovic’s first defeat in Australia since the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2018.
Australia secured an unassailable 2-0 lead as Ajla Tomljanovic won 6-1, 6-1 against Natalija Stevanovic, who replaced Olga Danilovic. Matthew Ebden and Storm Hunter completed the rout with a 6-3 triumph over the Serbian mixed doubles duo Dejana Radanovic and Nikola Ćaćić.
Reflecting on the historic victory, De Minaur expressed, “It’s extra special. Novak is an unbelievable competitor, and what he’s done for the sport is pretty special. It feels surreal and amazing, and I’m very happy to do it here in Perth.”
