Defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic was ousted by Denis Istomin on Thursday, falling 6-7, 7-5, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 in the second round.
The loss is the earliest for a defending Australian Open champ since Mats Wilander fell in the second round in the 1989 tournament, and the first for the six-time winner Djokovic.
"All the credit to Denis for playing amazing, and he deserved to win," Djokovic said after the four-and-a-half hour match. "He was the better player in clutch moments. He served very well and very precise. I was not pleased with my performance overall, but I have to congratulate my opponent today.