117th-ranked Denis Istomin knocks out defending champion Novak Djokovic from Australian Open

Defending champion and Novak Djokovic was sensationally knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open by Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin on Thursday.

The 117th-ranked Istomin ousted the six-time winner 7-6(10/8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 in 4hr 48min on Rod Laver Arena.  It was six-time champion Djokovic's earliest elimination since his first round exit in 2006.

"First of all I feel sorry for Novak. I was playing so good today," Istomin said on court.

"I mean, I surprised myself also today. I want to thank my team ... who do a good job. Amazing. So much emotion on my mind so I cannot hold it you know but I want to say thanks very much for coming to support me."