Alex de Minaur stuns Novak Djokovic in United Cup as tennis superstar Katie Boulter’s boyfriend delivers huge blow ahead of Australian Open

Alex de Minaur is enjoying the biggest win of his career after proving the doubters wrong by guiding Australia to the semi-finals of the United Cup with a stunning straight-sets defeat of world champion Novak Djokovic.

De Minaur’s win also raised concerns about Djokovic’s ability to win an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown this month after the Serbian was treated for a persistent wrist injury during his uncharacteristically flawless performance.

While Djokovic struggled, De Minaur was on fire from the start of Wednesday night’s match. He won 6-4 6-4 in 93 minutes to give Australia a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three-match quarter-final.

Ajla Tomljanovic secured victory for Australia and a place in the semi-finals with a 6-1 6-1 victory over world number 184 Natalija Stevanovic in a 64-minute masterclass.

Higher-ranked Olga Danilovic was scheduled to play the women’s singles for Serbia but withdrew due to fatigue.

De Minaur, 24, defeated Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in the United Cup in Perth

Although De Minaur defeated Rafael Nadal at the United Cup last year, the victory over Djokovic is even more important as the 36-year-old is still at the peak of his powers after winning three of the four slams in 2023.

It also represents De Minaur’s first victory over the world No. 1.

‘It’s incredibly special. Novak is an incredible competitor,” de Minaur said after breaking the super Serb’s 43-match, six-year winning streak in Australia.

“It feels surreal, it feels amazing. I’m glad I can do it here in Perth and Australia.’

Djokovic entered the match under an injury cloud after damaging his wrist during practice on Tuesday morning.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion said the injury affected him during Wednesday night’s match but he hopes it will not affect his Australian Open campaign.

“It had quite an impact (tonight), especially on the forehand and serve,” Djokovic said.

“Again, I don’t want to spend too much time talking about it and taking credit away from De Minaur.

“I mean, he was just really solid, as always. Congratulations to him, to the Australian team.”

De Minaur was defeated 6-2 6-1 6-2 by Djokovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open last year, but it was a different story in Wednesday evening’s rematch.

The 24-year-old’s frenetic pace and astonishing agility continually frustrated Djokovic, who made 31 unforced errors during the match as he battled wrist pain.

Djokovic received treatment after being broken in the ninth game of the first set, but that did little to stop De Minaur’s attack.

The Australian secured his second break of the match in the seventh game of the second set when Djokovic made a double fault.

De Minaur had three match points at 40-0 and 5-4, but he blew them all away, including a nerve-wracking double fault.

But he earned a fourth match point and secured victory when Djokovic sent a backhand long.

De Minaur has spoken of his desire to be known as more than just a player who can move well from side to side, and the use of his backhand slice during the United Cup has been a big weapon.

It is a bitter blow for Djokovic ahead of his title defense at the Australian Open

His powerful winners were also a highlight.

“It’s because a lot of people don’t believe in me,” De Minaur said of his motivation for bringing his new weapons to the fore.

“I’m just here to prove a lot of people wrong, in an effort to be better.

‘Ultimately, I will never be the biggest or strongest man, so I have to adapt.

‘I have to show that I have variation in my game and that I have different tennis styles.

‘I’m happy that I was able to bring this level today.’