- Alex de Minaur calls Novak Djokovic the 'GOAT'
- Aussie defeated Djokovic in straight sets
- The victory ended the Serb's seven-year winning streak in Australia
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In a statement that is sure to irritate some fans of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, Alex de Minaur has declared Novak Djokovic the greatest tennis player of all time.
De Minaur set tongues wagging with a 6-4 6-4 victory over world champion Novak Djokovic on Wednesday evening to guide Australia to the semi-finals of the United Cup.
It ended the Serbian's stunning 43-match, seven-year winning streak in Australia.
The result was in stark contrast to a year ago, when de Minaur was defeated 6-2 6-1 6-2 by Djokovic in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
“I'm happy to say I got a win over the GOAT,” de Minaur said after the match.
Alex de Minaur triumphed 6-4, 6-4 against world number one Novak Djokovic
The Australian called the Serbian superstar the GOAT – not Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal (pictured)
The Serbian superstar has made a strong case for this honor with a whopping 24 Grand Slam titles, compared to Nadal's 22 wins and Federer's 20.
After beating the super Serb, does the world number 12 think he can go all the way at Melbourne Park?
“Let's not get too ahead of ourselves,” said de Minaur.
'The level is there (but) five sets is a different animal. I'm happy with where my level is, where I am mentally and the mentality I have.
'I'm sure I have a very high top level and I would like to take that with me to Melbourne.'
De Minaur's speed and agility on the pitch have long been his main weapons.
But he's also starting to develop other parts of his game, including power, agile backhand slices and rushes to the net.
De Minaur said part of his motivation for beating Djokovic was to prove the doubters wrong.
Many believe Djokovic has shut down the men's Tennis GOAT debate in 2023
It was the Australian tennis star's first victory over the number one in the world
“It's something I've heard throughout my career: I'm not big enough, I'm not strong enough, I'm a go-getter, I don't have the firepower and I'll never be a top player,” De Minaur said. .
“All that does is give me more fire and more fuel to this engine that's ready to do whatever it can to prove people wrong.”
De Minaur also destroyed world number 10 Taylor Fritz in Perth, and Djokovic praised the 24-year-old's progress over the past year.
“He is one of the fastest players on tour,” said the world number 1.
“He gets the ball early. He likes coming to the net. He uses his serve well.
“He's a very well-rounded player and a great competitor, a great fighter.
“He'll make you work very hard. You know you're not going to get easy wins or easy points.”
Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt said the United Cup had been great preparation heading into the Open.
“It's very important to be able to play these kinds of matches before his home grand slam,” Hewitt said.
'It gives him confidence. He's worked hard… and it's nice when it pays off.'