In an exclusive interview, Denis Istomin, an Uzbek professional tennis player, shared his views about his toughest opponents. In ATP rankings history, he is the top Uzbek tennis professional player. However, fans were surprised by his choice. He didn’t pick the Serb, Novak Djokovic.

Istomin had climbed to a career-high position of No 33 in 2012, shortly after the London Olympics. He was placed among the top 100 in 8 of the last 9 seasons. In the interview, he discussed his opinions on the fourth TPL season, tennis in India, his career, and his encounters with the Big Three.

Novak Djokovic is not the toughest opponent, per Istomin

In the 2017 Australian Open, Istomin defeated Novak Djokovic ending his dominance with a 7-6 (10-8) 5-7 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 victory. Maybe that is why when asked about his fiercest opponents, he didn’t take the Serb’s name. He was quoted as “For me the toughest opponent was Federer, he was reading my game so easily and I always had a problem on the return of his serve.”

However, he was quick to clarify that all the legends of the Big Three are the greatest players of the era. On the ATP Challenger Tour, the Uzbek had a 182-106 record (12-5 in finals). His most recent victories came in 2018 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Chicago, USA. In the Challenger division, he has defeated players from the Top 20 like Grigor Dimitrov, and Daniil Medvedev.

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More than four years have passed since the Uzbek last claimed an ATP championship. Istomin further added, “Each one has their own game and it was so difficult to compete.” 

Djokovic, on the other hand, has been recently in the limelight due to his stand on vaccination which led to a ban on his visa. However, the ban has been finally uplifted so he is all set to participate in the Australian Open.

The Nole granted a visa for the 2023 Major title

The Serbian tennis prodigy Novak Djokovic will be able to compete in 2023 after missing the Australian Open in 2022 due to his lack of immunization. Djokovic’s approval has been confirmed by the Australian government. The Serb claimed his ninth Melbourne crown in 2021. However, he was unable to defend it in 2022.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic Turns Into Spiderman as He Hits the Shot Of the Tournament at Wimbledon Championships 2022

The tennis pro had also issued a statement regarding the choice, in which he expressed relief. Are you excited to see Djokovic play in Australia?