No Djoking, he’s out

AAP Tuesday 6 January 2009 62 Comments »

An out-of-sorts Novak Djokovic insisted he was not panicking ahead of his looming Australian Open title defence despite being sensationally upset in the Brisbane International first round on Tuesday.

A change of racquet began disastrously for the world No.3 as little-known Latvian Ernests Gulbis made a racket of his own by claiming a 6-4 6-4 boilover over the top seed in 88 minutes at Pat Rafter Arena.

The Serbian has been forced to hastily change his preparation barely two weeks ahead of the opening grand slam, but looks set to snap up a wildcard at the Sydney International starting on Sunday.

“I am not panicking. I am not seriously in big doubt. The Australian Open is my highest goal for this part of the year and I really want to play well there,” he said.

“It’s not the end of the world. It’s the first match, so I’m not going to be pessimistic.

“I have a lot of time now to prepare for the Aussie Open.”

The 20-year-old Gulbis’ first win in three attempts over Djokovic was a promoter’s nightmare at the inaugural event.

But an oddly calm Djokovic looked hardly surprised by the result after detailing his disrupted preparation, which included switching racquet brands.

“The racquet is a pretty big change. I like everything (in my preparation) to be 100 per cent perfect, sometimes it is not possible,” he said.

“There are still some things (with the racquet) I am not used to and unfortunately I get this result.”

Formerly aligned with Wilson, Djokovic used his new Head racquet for the first time in competition at Brisbane.

Asked if he would stick with the new brand following the teething problems, Djokovic said: “I am under contract so I have to play with the racquet.”

Djokovic began the week with a chance of overtaking Roger Federer at No.2 in the world rankings but now is sweating simply on securing his next hit-out before his Australian Open defence.

Djokovic’s two previous wins over Gulbis were in the quarterfinals at last year’s French Open and the ATP event at Cincinnati.

But the Latvian turned the tables remarkably at Brisbane on Tuesday.

“It is probably one of my best wins but best games I don’t think so, I have had some beautiful losses,” Gulbis said.

The error-riddled Serb’s first serve percentage was a woeful 48 per cent and he was broken in the fifth game of the match, losing the first set in 45 minutes.

The second set started bizarrely with four straight breaks.

Djokovic finally looked on track when he brought an abrupt halt to the spate of breaks to hold his serve to lead 3-2 in the second.

However, Gulbis showed poise beyond his years to break again in the ninth game.

Djokovic handed Gulbis three match points when he netted a forehand and the Latvian then sealed the boilover with his fourth ace of the match.

In other men’s results, fifth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych brushed aside Australian wildcard Brydan Klein 6-0 6-4 and France’s Florent Serra downed former No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 6-3 7-6.

Have you picked your team of tennis aces?
You have until the start of play at the Australian Open to select a team of 16 men and 16 women in our online fantasy game SuperTennis.
Points will be awarded for the performance of your team members and you can switch the mix around right up until 19 January.
The SuperTennis selector with the most points wins a cash prize of AUD$5000.
Go to www.supertennis.com.au to register your team today.

Tags: Ernests Gulbis, Novak Djokovic

You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

serb

bad luck Nole.
i was disapointed to see him loose.
i thought for sure he was going to win.
i hope hes better in the AO. that other guy was rly good tho.
Stuart

I can’t believe channel 7 stopped the coverage when they did. Hopeless.
georgeq

It’s ok. First match of the year is always tricky.
Richard McKenzie

Perhaps it was the new racqeut change?

Brilliant show by “The Gull”.
sandwich

Gulbis is the future of world tennis. I had a feeling he would do this.
kumar

Great Gulbis well done!
LV

Feel kinda sorry for Djoko, but Gulbis seemed more confident than ever and totally deserved it. Par lielu Latviju!
jelena

Noooooooo
we are so sad for you Nole – but better luck to you for the Aust Open
xox
DievsSvetiLatviju!

Malacis Ernest!Sarauj Latvija! Good job and best of luck in the future!
mat

Novack just looked distracted the whole match, hopfully he does better in the Australia Open.
J Popovic

He lets his head get the better of him. He needs to focus more & mature a little as well. Otherwise he is often superb.
Kimberlee

You are so witty. Don’t think Novak will be laughing today.
Mark Ruiz

Wow what an upset. 1st round? Too bad. But I think Nole will do well at the Australian Open considering he’s just 10 points behind Roger. I’m sure he will defend his title. Don’t worry Nole, all of your fans will be here to support you. Just stay focus on your game & don’t let the nerves kick in.
Don’t think of the events that just happened. It’s a game, their’s a winner & their’s a loser.
Goodluck at the Australian Open ’09.
safin’s sparring partner

Gulbis is an incredible talent, and considering that Novak was one of the drawcards for this event, i really cannot see why they drew him up against Gulbis in the very 1st round.
Throughout last year Gulbis was consistently drawn up against the top 3 players in the 1st round of the major tournaments – just funny really.
I think this will be his year to shine!
Too bad for Novak though..
viesturs

Ernests, LATVIA are PROUD and we all woke up early and saw your biggest win so far !!! Thank You and thanks God
Moonbat

Very tough first round draw. Happy to see Gulbis do well, though, he’s a great talent and has a beautiful head of hair.
moretto

No doubts- Gulbis is getting better and better- are you ready to see Gulbis wining AO?
Edgars

Malacis, Ernest!!!
Saffinette

congrats to gulbis. he actually did play much better than Novack and he deserved the win!
http://des6382 des6382

Feel the heat Novak! Tsonga is laughing
Steven

Nole, you did not play today. We hope you will do great at AO.
We still love you and suport you. Go for #1 in 2009. We believe in you.
http://BrisbaneInternational Bailey Andriske

Gulbis was awesome today I thought djokovic was going to win
Graham

I was appalled at 7′s coverage. It cut out half thru the 2nd set. And no night coverage simply below average.
Rebecca

I’m so annoyed at channel 7 for stopping the coverage when they did. VERY ANNOYING!!! Disappointing for Djokovic as I am going to the tennis on Thursday and I was looking forward to watching him play (as i just assumed he would get past the first round)
Peter

Shame on channel 7 for stopping the coverage when they did. Absolutely Disgraceful.
Liva

Gulbis really is the future of tennis!!!
GULBIS IR LABAAKAIS!!!!!!! Sarauj Latvija!!!! [:
SAŠA

OK Nole, you have “bought” first lesson for 2009. No more beaches, photos….night clubs…etc…fashion posing…
Leave it behind you, crash them all on AO.
Congratulations for young Gulbis !
Mikus

great play by Gulbis. Probably, the next top 10 player. I`m so sorry, but this is not your lucky day Nole. I hope you will shine on AO.
nemanja

djokvoic is still the man no matter if he lost to this little guy lol his still the man its first match of the year dsnt matter hes still numbers 3 in the world babyyyyyyyyyy.

SRBIJAAAAAAAAA DO TOKIJA

ly noleeeeeeeee
me

Although i am latvian,I always like Noles attitude, respect. but ofcourse this win means a lot to Gulbis.. and to his country!
Evan

Well done Gulbis! Deserved win! Shame on you Chanel 7 though… really terrible who wants the “Sea Princesses” instead of the tennis?! Still I was hoping to see Novak in the SF as I’m going on Saturday.. hope Gulbis gets there now!
Matt

Well thanks a lot Djockovic. You’ve put a whole dampener on the tournament, and disappointed so many of your fans, especially the ones like myself who’s only chance to see you was at the Brisbane International.

We’ve spent a lot of money to see you, and you lose in the first round. It obviously doesn’t mean that much to you, as you didn’t have the heart in the match to win.

Good luck in the Australian Open, I can’t guarantee I’ll be watching.
http://www.international-sport-photos.de Janine

Gulbis close friend of Djokovic, since years. Always hard for both to play against each other.

But Gulbis is strong player and deserved the win.

Congrats Ernests!!!
Ernest next top10 player?

Ok.
Today Gulbis made good job, but I can’t see him in top 10.
He is a little bit nervous in his game..
Great start for season and for Ernest.
Alan

Don’t be disappointed that Novak is no longer in the tournament. Ernest Gulbis is the one to watch out for in this tournament. He was a rising star in 2008 and has stamped his intentions early. He’s the real deal with his awesome game. Expect him to make the final!
leapn

Noel,
maybe next yr come early so you don’t look like you just got off the plane…..mind you you were beaten by the player on the day
Anastasia Comino

Matt – your are a sore person to say that about Novak. Give the guy a break. I hope he does well in the Aussie Open.
Shadi

WOW .. See guys I told you .. I had a ggod feeling about my favorite player in tennis Ernets ,,

That he could do it .. and now he did ..

what amazing player .. Go ahead Ernooo
serb

he did it on purpose.
gives him more energy left to win the AO
nick

Latvija!!!
georgeq

Channel 7 should be ashamed!!!!
daniel01

djokovic now will have time to get used to his new raquet and gulbis totally deserved it he always got strong players in the beggining and he in part with marin cilic are for me the new future of tennis, while we can enjoy from nadal federer djokovic murray etc..
Matt

Anastasia – I am not a “sore” person. I just spent a lot money to see him, and for him to lose in the first round is very disappointing.

And like the reports are saying, he seemed very disinterested in the match, and showed no heart.

I continue to stand by everything I have said.
Pica_pica

Whatever you are doing, Nole, you’re NOT on the right track. I can’t believe how many chances to rise to #2 you have squandered. And you should never give up in any match. You are not respecting the tournament and the audience. Go polish up everything for AO!

I think both players are rusty today, Djoko much rustier than Gulbis though. Congratulations to Gulbis anyway.
Sarauj Latvija !!!

OMG !!! I’m latvian and I was watching the game ! I specially woke up @ 6 am lol !
And it was incredible !!! ERNESTS – TU ESI THE BEST !!! We are so happy to see you winning your first game of the season. You really looked good ! Keep up the pace, ERNOOO !
Monica

I had a feeling that Gulbis would win….he had some amazing games at Grand Slams and ATP tours last year. He is sure the one to watch!
kaya

THIS IS VERY GOOD DJOKING….
NOLE YOU ARE STILL THE BEST!
LOVE YOU,H…..S SE R…I!
http://tenis-2009.blogspot.com MN

Djokovic wasn’t as good as hi knows to be, but hi wasn’t bad too. Today, Gulbis was better.
Una

Well done, Ernest! You were simply better today Good luck in the next matches.
kbuddy86

This came as a shock! Hope Nole recovers and plays better in the Australian Open!

On the plus side, he has now accepted a wildcard entry into the Sydney tournament!! Definitely going to go check out his match!

Brisbane International Tennis - Australian Open Series

No Djoking, he’s out

Newsletter

Site Information