Injury-hit Novak Djokovic dumped out of Australian Open by inspired Hyeon Chung

Novak Djokovic doesn't know when he will next compete as he continues to be plagued by an elbow injury - AP
Novak Djokovic doesn't know when he will next compete as he continues to be plagued by an elbow injury - AP

Six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic admitted that he has no idea when he will next play tennis after being eliminated from this year’s tournament by world No. 58 Hyeon Chung

Djokovic took a medical time-out in the first set to have treatment on his troublesome right elbow. He was able to compete wholeheartedly during this 3hr 21min war of attrition, but in the interview room he confirmed that the elbow remains a serious issue despite the five-and-a-half month break he took after last year’s Wimbledon.

“It's frustrating, of course, when you have that much time and you don't heal properly,” said Djokovic. “But it is what it is. There is some kind of a reason behind all of this. I'm just trying my best obviously because I love this sport.

“I enjoy training. I enjoy getting myself better, hoping that I can get better, perform and compete. Today was one of those days where, unfortunately, it was too much to deal with.”

Djokovic’s serve was most obviously affected. He hit only two aces in the match, while his regular double-faults helped Chung take a 4-0 first set lead. He said that the level of pain was not high enough to make him consider a retirement, and that he was hoping to make it into a fourth set to test Chung’s inexperience in lengthy matches.

But Chung hung tough during the pressure moments of his 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 victory, and has earned a very winnable quarter-final against the USA’s Tennys Sandgren – the most unlikely player to reach the last eight of a slam in 15 years.

To return to Djokovic, he was asked whether he needed another long break to give the elbow time to heal. “I really don't know,” he said. “I have to reassess everything with my medical team, coaches and everybody. Scan it, see what the situation is like. Last couple weeks I played a lot of tennis. Let's see what's happening inside.”

Despite his physical handicap, Djokovic was still operating at a high level, and this win was no freebie for Chung, the 21-year-old who won last year’s ATP NextGen Finals in Milan. To complete the win, Chung needed not only freakish mobility and endurance but a cool head in the closing stages.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives medical treatment in his fourth round match against Hyeon Chung of South Korea on day eight of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia - Credit: Getty Images
Novak Djokovic received medical treatment at the end of the second set Credit: Getty Images

Chung grew up idolising Djokovic and plays a similar form of tennis – relentless weight and accuracy from the back of the court, combined with a physical flexibility that helps him chip the ball back from the most desperate positions.

“It’s a dream come true tonight,” said Chung, who failed to win a set when he played Djokovic here in the opening round two years ago. “I’m really just happy. When I was young I was just trying to copy Novak because he is my idol. I’m just honoured to play with Novak again.”

The quality of Chung’s play was commended by the watching Jamie Murray, who wrote on Twitter “That was the most Novak-esque performance I’ve seen - and it was by Chung! It’s to do with Chung’s movement and ability to hit amazing shots from defensive positions especially out of his backhand corner - just like Novak has done for the past however many years.”

Hyeon Chung - Credit: Getty images
It was some performance from Chung to see off Djokovic Credit: Getty images

Even Djokovic had to admit that he was beaten at his own game. “You know, we do play very similar. He definitely has the game to be a top-10 player, without a doubt. How far he can go, that depends on him. Obviously I respect him a lot because he's a hard worker, he's disciplined, he's a nice guy, he's quiet. You can see that he cares about his career and his performances. So I'm sure that he's going to get some really good results in the future.”

Chung is nicknamed “The Professor” on account of his glasses, which are rare in this sport. He has high-level astigmatism, which cannot be corrected by contact lenses. And in fact it was his eyesight that was responsible for his career in the first place. As a seven-year-old who was struggling to read the board at school, he was taken to the optician, who recommended that he focus on the colour green. Tennis balls, which are best described as fluorescent yellow, came near enough.

In the other matches played on Monday, Federer continued his run of straight-sets wins as he disposed of Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 7-6, 6-2. He will face Tomas Berdych in his quarter-final on Wednesday, a repeat of the third-round meeting last year that saw Federer rediscover his best form after a six-month lay-off from tennis.

11:45AM

An endearingly hyper-excited Chung speaks

How did you win? I don't know. I'm just so happy. I don't know how I did it. I'm just happy to play with Novak again. Great to have him back on the tour. 

How do you hit those shots from the corner of the court? I don't know. I was just trying to copy Novak because he's my idol. 

What went through your head in the tie-break? I was just thinking "I'm two love up in sets so if I lose I still have two more sets. I can play two more hours. I'm younger than Novak so I don't care!"

What went through you mind when you won?  I can't believe it. My dreams have come true tonight. 

Thoughts on playing Sandgren in the quarter-final? In grand slams everyone is playing so good, so I'm just trying to get a good sleep so I'm ready for Wednesday. 

A nice touch from Jim Courier to then allow Chung to thank his fans in Korean. And a lot of love from Chung, including from 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash: 

11:38AM

A star is born

A warm embrace at the net, as Djokovic leaves the court to rapturous applause. "Welcome to the tennis world Hyeon Chung," says John McEnroe at the end of a breathless match. 

11:36AM

Game set and match! Chung defeats Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 7-6

Chung only needs one! After some more sensational defence, Chung draws a wide backhand from Djokovic, and he is through to the Australian Open quarter-final. What a performance, what a match, what a win!

11:35AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-6 Chung (*next server)

Djokovic nets a forehand return, and Chung has three match points. 

11:34AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic 3-5 Chung* (*next server)

That's maybe the shot of the match! Chung somehow pulls out a forehand crossocurt passing shot from an impossible looking position. He's geeing the crowd up, and is two points away! 

11:33AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic 3-4 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic overcooks a pretty easy forehand to gift the mini-break back to his opponent. 

11:32AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-3 Chung (*next server)

Brilliant Djokovic service winner down the T levels things up. 

11:31AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-3 Chung (*next server)

And that's the second mini-break back. Chung's defence is unreal, but eventually he can't quite make a forehand pass that goes crashing into the net. Djokovic laughs with relief. 

11:29AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic 1-3 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic gets one of the mini-breaks back after Chung nets a forehand. 

11:29AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic 0-3 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic pulls a backhand wide, and Chung is up two mini-breaks. 

11:28AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 0-2 Chung (*next server)

Stunning inside-in forehand winner from Chung earns him an early mini-break. 

11:28AM

Third set tie-break: Djokovic* 0-1 Chung (*next server)

Big forehand does the damage to give Chung the first point of the breaker. 

11:27AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7, 6-6 Chung* (*next server) - Tie-break

Chung looks dangerous at 0-15 after fizzing away a backhand pass up the line, but he looks a little tight on the next two points and Djokovic moves up to 30-15. A service winner brings up 40-15, and an ace completes the hold to 15.

We're into a third set tie-break. 

11:25AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-7, 5-6 Chung (*next server) 

Uh-oh. Chung double faults for only the second time in the match to hand his opponent a 0-30 lead. Again though his response is excellent, flicking away winners off either wing for 30-30. A gruelling exchange then has Djokovic screaming in anguish and ends with him netting a forehand to go down 40-30. Chung then secures the hold with another sensational running forehand pass. I can't stress enough how well Chung has moved for most of the match. Unbelievable speed across the court. Or as Jamie Murray has put it...

Djokovic will serve to force a third set tie-break.  

11:19AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7, 5-5 Chung* (*next server)

Big hitting this game from Djokovic ends with a booming forehand winner up the line to complete a hold to 15. 

11:16AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-7, 4-5 Chung (*next server) 

Djokovic is geeing the crowd up after chasing down a drop shot and knifing away a backhand winner on the stretch for 0-30. Unbelievable defence from the greatest defender in the history of the sport. Chung responds with two nerveless forehands to level the game at 30-30. Another brilliant forehand winner from Chung then takes him to 40-30 at the end of a sensational rally. There was a baby crying throughout the entire point, but both men kept their cool to keep hitting brilliant, bruising groundstrokes. A missed Chung forehand brings up deuce, but the South Korean completes the hold thanks to a wonderful backhand half-volley winner followed by a missed Djokovic forehand. What a game that was from both players.

As the match enters its fourth hour, Djokovic will serve to stay in the Australian Open. 

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia, January 22, 2018. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his match against Chung Hyeon of South Korea - Credit: REUTERS
Credit: REUTERS

11:09AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7, 4-4 Chung* (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Amazing Chung forehand on the run makes it 30-30, and leaves Djokovic sprawling on the floor grabbing his elbow. A brilliant backhand down the line then brings up break point at 30-40. Can Chung seize the moment? No! He tightens up badly and nets a backhand return off a pretty safe second serve. Choking hell! And moments later Djokovic holds for 4-4 after Chung misses a couple of backhands. Chung would have been serving for the match if he'd broken there. 

11:02AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-7, 3-4 Chung (*next server) - Chung saves a break point and holds

A dreadful attempt at a backhand drop shot from Chung is butchered into the middle of the net to hand Djokovic a break point at 30-40. Unbelievably, Chung tries another drop shot on the next point. It's terrible again, but Djokovic then somehow misses a sitter of a volley into the tramlines with the open court at his mercy. Back to deuce. Chung reels off the next two points and completes the hold. How badly will Djokovic end up regretting that missed volley? As soon as someone makes  GIF of it, I will show it to you. 

10:57AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7, 3-3 Chung* (*next server)

After six breaks in the last seven games, Djokovic claims a comfortable hold to 15 - helped by his first ace of the match. So, Chung has blown a break lead in the third set, just as he did in each of the first two. 

10:54AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-7, 2-3 Chung (*next server) - Djokovic breaks back

Chung once again shows signs of nerves, as he makes a couple of errors to fall down 15-40 and two break points. But the South Korean responds incredibly well to outlast Djokovic in consecutive rallies and save them both. Djokovic forces a third break point with a superlative volley on the stretch, but Chung saves it with a backhand winner down the line that looks all the way as if it's going long but drops in at the last moment. Djokovic glances up at his box and breaks into rueful laughter at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. His mood is lightened moments later though as he forces a fourth break point with a forehand return winner and takes this one thanks to a missed Chung forehand. 

Four out of the five games this set have been breaks. Crazy match. 

10:46AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7, 1-3 Chung* (*next server) - Chung breaks

Djokovic looks in control of the game at 40-15, but a double fault and a missed backhand have us back at deuce. The Serb then sprays a backhand long to make it break point Chung. And he's taken it! Djokovic pushes a backhand wide, and Chung is three service holds away from a place in the quarter-finals. 

10:40AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-7, 1-2 Chung (*next server)

No player is getting anything like an easy hold here. Djokovic is interested at 30-30, but Chung crunches two winners - one off either wing - to complete the hold. If he really believes in himself, Chung should beat his ailing opponent in straight sets. But it's a big if against one of the greatest players of all time. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during their men's singles fourth round match against South Korea's Hyeon Chung on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 22, 2018 - Credit: AFP
Credit: AFP

10:37AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7, 1-1 Chung* (*next server) - Chung breaks back

Yep, there's another twist right away. Djokovic nets a backhand when down 30-40, and Chung has broken straight back. Essentially, Djokovic doesn't look strong enough physically to consistently go toe to toe with his opponent, while Chung doesn't look strong enough mentally to pull away from the six-time champion. 

10:33AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-7, 1-0 Chung (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Djokovic has shown superhuman powers of recovery so many times before, but given his injury woes, surely even he can't dig this out from two sets to love down? Maybe he can. Chung shows amazing speed around the court to scramble back to 30-30, but he chucks in a couple of errors and hands over an early break at the start of the third set. Is this the start of a comeback? I would wager that there will be a fair few more twists in this set, let alone the match. 

Incidentally if Chung did win this then he and nest opponent Tennys Sandgren would have a combined ranking of 155. For a grand slam quarter-final. 

10:25AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-7 Chung* (*next server) - Game and second set Chung!

Big flashing warning signs for Djokovic here, as he miscues a forehand for 30-30. Again Chung is two points from a two-sets lead. Make that one point, as Djokovic sends a forehand long to go down advantage having been up 40-30. Can Chung take the set point? Yes he can! Djokovic is stretching every sinew and screaming at the exertion of it all, but he finally cracks at the end of a gruelling rally and nets a forehand. Unbelievable defence again from Chung, who is a set away from the most improbable grand slam quarter-final against Tennys Sandgren

Stats - Credit: Eurosport
The stats from an extraordinary second set Credit: Eurosport

10:17AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 5-6 Chung (*next server)

A rare fist pump from Chung after chasing down a Djokovic forehand and replying with one of his own for a screaming winner to go up 40-15. That was Djokovic -esque defence from the South Korean, who completes the hold moments later with a smash. Another fist pump. Djokovic will serve to try and take us into another tie-break.  

10:13AM

Djokovic 6-7, 5-5 Chung* (*next server)

Chung has a good look at a couple of backhands, but misses them both and finds himself down 40-15. Djokovic can't take either game point though, and we're at deuce - Chung is two points from the set. But Djokovic grits his teeth and fires away two forehand winners to eke out the hold and level the second set. So hard to get a read on such a topsy-turvy match. No idea where it's heading next. 

10:07AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 4-5 Chung (*next server)

Boy, did he need that. Chung stops the rot with a hold to 15, and he's a game away from a two-sets lead. Djokovic will serve to stay in the second set. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during his fourth round match against South Korea's Chung Hyeon at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018 - Credit: AP
Credit: AP

10:03AM

Djokovic 6-7, 4-4 Chung* (*next server)

Is there a sport that has more dramatic momentum swings than tennis? 10 minutes ago Djokovic looked on the verge of either a heavy defeat or a retirement. Now here he is swinging freely and reeling off a third straight game to level the second set at 4-4. What on earth must Chung be thinking?  

9:59AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 3-4 Chung (*next server) - Djokovic breaks

Only Djokovic knows how hurt he is, but either way he's showing some very impressive resolve. After looking down and out and in the last game and saving a point for 1-5, he throws caution to the wind and breaks Chung to 15 after ripping a few returns. Amazingly, we're back on serve in the second set. 

9:56AM

Djokovic 6-7, 2-4 Chung* (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Hmm, is the end nigh for Djokovic? He is not moving at all freely and finds himself down 0-30 when Chung flicks away a backhand winner up the line. Djokovic rallies impressively though, and completes the hold after saving a break point and being taken to three deuces. Chung looks a little in two minds about how to deal with the struggling Serb. It wouldn't be the first time a supposedly injured Djokovic has frazzled the mind of his opponent. Just ask Andy Murray. 

9:50AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 1-4 Chung (*next server) 

Chung completes a second love hold in a row when Djokovic carelessly slaps a forehand return long. That was the shot of a man who knows he has to try and preserve his energy. So strange to see the usually bionic Djokovic in such physical distress. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives medical treatment in his fourth round match against Hyeon Chung of South Korea on day eight of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia - Credit:  Getty Images 
Novak Djokovic receives treatment on his elbow at the end of the first set Credit: Getty Images

9:47AM

Djokovic 6-7, 1-3 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic stops the run of five straight games against him with a hold to 15. He'll have to hope Chung's level drops like it did midway through the first set. 

9:43AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 0-3 Chung (*next server) 

Everything's coming up Millhouse for Chung at the moment. He secures a first love hold of the match with a Pat Rafter-esque forehand volley and then a beautifully guided backhand winner up the line. 

9:42AM

Djokovic 6-7, 0-2 Chung* (*next server) - Chung breaks

How quick is Hyeon Chung? It's like watching Djokovic when he was hoovering up Asutralian Open titles for fun. Chung forces a couple of break points at 15-40, and takes the first one with a stunning crosscourt backhand pass on the run. A revitalised Chung has won four games in a row.  Djokovic is a set and a break down. 

9:39AM

Djokovic* 6-7, 0-1 Chung (*next server) - Chung saves four break points and holds

A five-minute plus medical time-out for Djokovic in the end. How much will those niggles affect him again a very dangerous opponent? Well, he looks to be moving ok this game. Chung makes a couple of errors to hand over two break points at 15-40, but Djokovic can't take either of them - missing consecutive backhands to take us back to deuce. Chung then can't take a game point up advantage, and Djokovic forces a third break point with a blistering forehand winner crosscourt. But Chung responds with an even more brilliant crosscourt forehand winner of his own. Back to deuce. Djokovic then forces, and wastes, a fourth break point after spraying a forehand long. Two points later, Chung completes the hold courtesy of a good enough smash and a running forehand winner up the line. Wow, what a game that was. At times today it's been like Djokovic has been playing his mini me such has been Chung's electrifying movement and defensive skills. 

Djokovic is clearly battling with injuries, but for what it's worth I'm sticking with my pre-match prediction of him winning in four. 

9:23AM

Djokovic 6-7 Chung* (*next server) - Game and first set Chung

A brilliant Chung backhand down the line overwhelms Djokovic, and after 68 minutes the six-time Australian Open champion trails by a set to love. 

Brilliant effort from Chung to raise his game again and claim the tie-break having thrown away that double-break lead earlier on in the set. Djokovic is getting treatment for his elbow and blisters on his feet at the end of the set. 

9:22AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic 4-6 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic saves the first one with a forehand return winner off a very nervy Chung second serve. 

9:21AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic 3-6 Chung* (*next server)

A wide forehand from Djokovic hands Chung three set points

9:21AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-5 Chung (*next server)

Djokovic sends a forehand long, and Chung is up a mini-break again. 

9:20AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic* 3-4 Chung (*next server)

Superb Chung forehand puts the South Korean in front. 

9:19AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic 3-3 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic wins a superb, energy-sapping rally with a brilliant forehand volley. He has the mini-break back, and we're level at the change of ends. 

9:17AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic 2-3 Chung* (*next server)

Djokovic double fault hands the mini-break to Chung. 

9:16AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic* 2-2 Chung (*next server)

Solid Djokovic volley levels things up. 

9:16AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic* 1-2 Chung (*next server)

Brilliant Chung volley on the stretch gets his nose on front. 

9:15AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic 1-1 Chung* (*next server)

Service winner from Chung levels things up. 

9:15AM

First set tie-break: Djokovic 1-0 Chung* (*next server)

Brilliant Djokovic forehand winner secures the first point of the breaker. 

9:14AM

Djokovic* 6-6 Chung (*next server) - First set tie-break

Djokovic is annoyed about a Chung shot that he thinks was out mid-point. It's called in though, and was too late for a challenge. Chung ends up holding to 15, and we're into a first set tie-break

9:11AM

Djokovic 6-5 Chung* (*next server) - Djokovic saves a break point and holds

Djokovic has been far more durable in the last few games, but he throws in a sloppy missed drop shot to fall down 15-30. Moments later, it's break point Chung at 30-40 thanks to a terrible Djokovic forehand that sails well long. A relieved Djokovic then screams "come on!" after saving the break point, and he's similarly emotional on the next couple of points, each of which he wins when Chung is forced into an error. Djokovic holds and Chung, who has massively tightened up, will now serve to stay in the first set. Djokovic is seriously pumped up all of a sudden. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic makes backhand return to South Korea's Chung Hyeon during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018 - Credit: AP
Credit: AP

9:05AM

Djokovic* 5-5 Chung (*next server) - Djokovic breaks back

Djokovic has a good look at everyone of Chung's service games, and he gets to 0-15 after some typically (though not today) obdurate defence in a lengthy baseline exchange. Chung then sprays a forehand long for 0-30, but reduces the deficit to 15-30 with a forehand winner up the line. Moments later it's two break back points for Djokovic at 15-40 though, as a Chung forehand hits the net tape but dribbles back onto his side of the court. Djokovic only needs one, with his opponent sending another forehand long. We're back on serve in the first set. How will Chung respond to losing such a big lead? 

8:59AM

Djokovic 4-5 Chung* (*next server)

A rare easy service hold for either player. Djokovic claiming a love game to force Chung to serve for the first set

8:58AM

Djokovic* 3-5 Chung (*next server)

Excellent ball-striking from Chung gets him to 30-15, but a missed backhand has us at 30-30. Big moments coming up here, and Chung holds his nerve superbly to win the next points and dig out the hold. He puts away a couple of awkward volleys and pumps his first in celebration. That's about as much emotion as you're going to get from the very reserved South Korean. Djokovic will serve to stay in the first set. 

8:52AM

Djokovic 3-4 Chung* (*next server)

A fifth double fault gives Chung a chance for another break at 15-30. Djokovic takes the next two points, but a sixth double fault allows his opponent back in at deuce. Another game point then comes and goes as Chung chases down a drop volley and flicks away a backhand pass. It's a similar story a couple of points later, with a third game point going begging after Chung brilliantly guides a backhand pass down the line to force a third deuce. Djokovic finally holds at the fourth time of asking when Chung pushes a backhand long. Three games in a row for Djokovic, who's been moving a lot better in the last five minutes or so. 

8:44AM

Djokovic* 2-4 Chung (*next server) - Djokovic breaks back

Extraordinary wastefulness from Djokovic. Chung plays three really sloppy points - including a wretched double fault - to gift his opponent three break points at 0-40. Djokovic though makes errors on all three of them, and we're back at deuce. Another break point follows shortly after, but Djokovic misses a simple forehand that beggars belief. Chung is then left a little frustrated after missing two game points for 5-1, and we're at deuce number four. An errant Chung forehand hands Djokovic a fifth break point, and this time he takes it when his opponent drags a forehand wide. That's one of the breaks back. 

8:33AM

Djokovic 1-4 Chung* (*next server)

In his desperation to get a game on the board, Djokovic takes a bit of pace off his serve. The tactic seems to work, as the Serb ekes out a much-needed hold to 15 when Chung nets a return. 

8:31AM

Djokovic* 0-4 Chung (*next server)

Still Djokovic can't get any rhythm, while Chung is middling the ball on pretty much every shot. The South Korean holds to 30 here with a penetrating forehand that's too powerful for his opponent to handle. 

Hyeon Chung of South Korea plays a forehand in his fourth round match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day eight of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia
Hyeon Chung of South Korea plays a forehand in his fourth round match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day eight of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia

8:27AM

Djokovic 0-3 Chung* (*next server) - Chung breaks

My word, Djokovic begins the game with consecutive double faults, which makes it four in a row across his two service games. He finally gets one in on the next point, but Chung nails a forehand winner up the line for 0-40 and three break points. Djokovic saves the first, but he nets a forehand on the second, and Chung has the double break. 

Punishing start from Chung; Djokovic doesn't look like he's moving well at all. 

8:23AM

Djokovic* 0-2 Chung (*next server) - Chung saves two break points and holds

Chung just a little tentative on a couple of points. He makes consecutive errors to fall behind 15-30, and a missed forehand then presents Djokovic with a couple of break points at 15-40.  Great response from Chung, who saves them with an ace out wide and a brilliant 87mph forehand winner. A service winner and then a brilliant Chung backhand pass wraps up the hold for the South Korean. Brilliant start for Chung. 

8:18AM

Djokovic 0-1 Chung* (*next server) - Chung breaks

A couple of lengthy exchanges early on as we expected. Djokovic looks in control of the game at 30-0, but consecutive netted backhands from the Serb have us at 30-30. A double fault then hands Chung a break point at 30-40. And would you believe it? Djokovic double faults for the second time in a row to gift his opponent the break. 

Djokovic's new service motion misfiring horribly there. 

8:13AM

Ready? Play

Djokovic serving first after Chung chose to receive. 

8:08AM

Coin toss

Chung first lets Djokovic call the coin toss, and then when he wins it, the South Korean elects to receive. 

8:05AM

Players are out

The bespectacled Chung takes to the court first, followed by the six-time champion Djokovic. Big noise for both players - the crowd are excited for this one. 

7:56AM

Head to head

These two have met just once before - at the Australian Open two years ago. Djokovic won that match 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. 

7:36AM

Preamble

Morning all,

Welcome to this cross-generational Australian Open fourth round, as the six-time champion Novak Djokovic takes on the South Korean rising star Hyeon Chung. Djokovic has been a fans favourite in Melbourne since winning his first title as a 20-year-old a decade ago, while Chung had only won one main draw match at the tournament until this year. 

But all of a sudden Chung, 21, has announced himself on a grand slam stage. The Rod Laver Arena crowd were thrilled by Chung's enterprising performance in knocking out fellow 'Next Genner' Alexander Zverev in five sets on Saturday. The South Korean played utterly fearless tennis, and ended up winning the final set 6-0, losing just five points in the process. It was Chung's first win against a top-10 player, and felt like a milestone moment for the world No 58. The victory also maintained the momentum Chung has been building since winning the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals in November 

Djokovic of course is a totally different proposition, especially in Melbourne where he has at times exerted a vice-like grip on the Norman Brookes trophy over the last 10 years. There were doubts over the Serb's fitness going into the tournament, but he has been clinical in his first few matches and dropped just one set along the way. 

South Korea's Hyeon Chung hits a return against Germany's Alexander Zverev during their men's singles third round match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 20, 2018 - Credit: AFP 
Hyeon Chung defeated Alexander Zverev in the third round Credit: AFP

Tactically, this match will pit two players against each other with very similar game styles. Both men like to dominate from the baseline, and shift their opponent off balance with clean, penetrating hitting off both wings. Thus far in the tournament, Chung and Djokovic are first and second for percentage of points won from the back of the court. Chung has won 60.8 per cent of his baseline points, while Djokovic is at 57.3 per cent. 

When you consider that the tournament average on the men's side is 46.7 per cent, it gives an idea of just how effective these two are in outmaneuvering their opponents. Certainly the normally imposing Zverev was made to look painfully cumbersome by Chung on Saturday. 

Djokovic and Chung's combined baseline proficiency should make for some exciting rallies, and I'm expecting the Serb to get the win in four sets.