Novak Djokovic continued to be hampered by a wrist injury as Australia stunned Serbia in the United Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Poland also qualified for the semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over China, while France and Greece swept aside Italy and Canada, respectively, to advance to the quarter-finals.
Djokovic, injured in his right wrist, had beaten Jiri Lehecka during Serbia’s previous match, against the Czechs.
However, the world number 1 struggled against Alex de Minaur. The Australian shined in defense and service en route to a 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Djokovic was clearly weakened against the world No. 12; in the first set, he received treatment from the physiotherapist twice.
The Serb is not overly concerned, on the other hand.
“I still have time to get back into shape for the Australian Open. That’s what matters most at this point, Djokovic said. I think I’ll do well.
“I knew I probably wouldn’t be 100 percent, physically or mentally, during the first week of the season. »
It was Djokovic’s first defeat in Australia since 2018 (a quarter-final setback in Melbourne).
“It’s very special,” De Minaur said. Novak is an incredible competitor and what he has done for the sport is pretty special. It’s surreal, incredible, and I’m very happy to achieve it here in Perth.
“When you face Novak, you have to enjoy it and no matter what, keep fighting until the end. It was my day. »
Ajla Tomljanovic followed it up by giving Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead, winning 6-1, 6-1 against Natalija Stevanovic.
World top-ranked Iga Swiatek beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 6-3 to give Poland a 2-0 lead, after Hubert Hurkacz beat Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-4 .
Earlier in Sydney, Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino led France past Italy.
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas returned to action after missing the first round, beating Canadian Steven Diez 6-2, 6-3. Maria Sakkari then secured Greece’s place in the quarter-finals by defeating Leylah Annie Fernandez, 7-6 (2), 6-3.