ATP upsets of the year - 2013

Novak Djokovic upsets

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria is congratulated by Novak Djokovic of Serbia after Dimitrov won in three sets during day four of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica on May 7, 2013 in Madrid, Spain.

The season of Djokovic was quite a topsy-turvy one throughout the year. While he had his moments in Melbourne Park and Dubai he had to face indifferent results in Indian Wells and Miami. However, the Serb was able to set things right by winning his first ever title in Monte Carlo defeating eight-time champion, Rafael Nadal, in the final. So, the then World No.1 entered Madrid as a clear cut favourite as the fast paced surface in Spain was supposed to give him an edge over the others, including Nadal.

His opponent in the second round was Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria who has been regarded as one of the torch bearers of the future generation. The 21-year old was simply outstanding on that day and was able to stand toe to toe with the six time Grand Slam champion. After having marginally lost the second set, he registered a fine come back on the deciding set to nail the Serb 6-3. Djokovic was totally frustrated following his loss and was even booed by the Spanish crowd on seeing him taking medical time out during the crucial juncture of the match. This angered the Serb who left the arena antagonizing the live audience. This victory by Dimitrov over the in-form Djoker was really one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Other Djokovic upsets

Vs Tommy Haas in the fourth round of Miami: By beating the World No.1 in Miami 6-2 6-4, Tommy Haas notched up one of the biggest wins of his career, as the veteran himself has later admitted.

Vs John Isner in the quarter final of Cincinnati: The US hard courts are supposed to assist the Serb more than anyone. However, John Isner at his imperious best should be regarded as a potential threat to anyone facing him. So was the case in Cincinnati as he bludgeoned Djokovic, who was aiming to become the first person to win all the Masters 1000 series crown in his career, in three sets.