Uzbek upstart dethrones Djokovic

In a stunning upset, defending champion Novak Djokovic was bounced out of the Australian Open by unheralded Denis Istomin on Thursday.

Istomin, from Uzbekistan and ranked No 117 in the world, ousted the six-time Melbourne winner 7-6 (10/8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 in just under five hours at Rod Laver Arena.

It was Djokovic's earliest Grand Slam exit since Wimbledon 2008, when he was beaten by Marat Safin in the second round.