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Defending champion Novak Djokovic sent packing by world number 117
Defending champion Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Australian Open after falling victim to a stunning five-set defeat at the hands of wild card Denis Istomin.
The 30-year-old world number 117 played the match of his life to hand the six-times champion only his second defeat in seven years at Melbourne Park with a 7-6(8) 5-7 2-6 7-6(5) 6-4 second-round win on Rod Laver Arena.
Denis Istomin expressed his delight for the victory.
"It is the biggest win (of my career) for me and means so much, now I feel I can play with these guys and be with them on the same level," said Istomin.
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"From the third set I had cramp in my leg, I don't know how I held it. I was playing so good. I surprised myself."
Istomin had two years out of the game after breaking his leg in a car accident in 2001 and spending three months in hospital.
Coached by his mother Klaudiya, he dropped out of the top 100 in 2016 and was given a wildcard to play the Australian Open.
Prior to his win over Djokovic, Istomin had won just one of 33 matches against a player ranked in the world's top 10.
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