“Expect Novak Djokovic retirement announcement soon” - Fans react as Serb's ex-Australian Open conqueror wins first pro title in 5 years

Novak Djokovic's ex-Australian Open conqueror Hyeon Chung finally won his first pro title in over five years. The 28-year-old, who reached the semifinals of the 2018 Australian Open after defeating the Serb, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev, has since struggled with various injuries, most notably a lower back problem.

Djokovic's prowess at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne is no secret, with his unprecedented 10 titles serving as a huge proof. However, when the Serb played the 2017 Next-Gen Finals winner, Hyeon Chung, in the fourth round in 2018, the South Korean scored a staggering 7-6(4), 7-5, 7-6(3) win, stunning everyone in Melbourne and the rest of the world.

Since then, Chung has struggled with a plethora of injuries, which have kept him out of the upper echelons of the tennis world. However, the South Korean's long title drought has finally come to an end with his triumph at the ITF M25 in Bali.

Hyeon Chung wins first Pro Title in 5 Years! byu/Appropriate-Tear503 intennis

Fans on Reddit were delighted to see the prodigious talent slowly making his rise back to the top. One fan joked about Djokovic not wanting to face the South Korean star.

"Expect Novak retirement announcement soon," the fan joked.

Another fan alluded to how his injury struggles started due to blisters, which caused him to retire mid-match during his semifinal clash against eventual champion Roger Federer at the 2018 Happy Slam.

"Tennis has missed him dearly. God he would have been so fun to watch in the mix since that AO… and to think it all started with a blister the size of his entire foot….," the fan remarked.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans.

"Bro arises everytime during ao," a fan quipped.

"Good to see him back, injuries are so devastating to watch, hope he has a steady road toward the atp tour, can’t wait to see him in the top flight," a fan said.

"I thought Nishikori’s near 2 year absence due to injury was long. Chung has been out even longer! Keep at it!" a fan cheered.

"The poor guy now has some money for a haircut," a fan joked.

Interestingly, Novak Djokovic will be competing for an unprecedented 25th Major at the 2025 Australian Open.

"Trying to copy Novak Djokovic because he's my idol" - When Hyeon Chung opened up about defeating the 24-time Grand Slam champion

The two men shaking hands after their match. - Source: Getty

Hyeong Chung and Novak Djokovic faced each other at the 2016 Australian Open first round where the Serb decimated the South Korean 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. When asked on court how he managed to get his revenge on one of the hardest opponents at the Rod Laver Arena two years later, he said:

"I don't know, I'm really just happy. I really don't know, I'm gonna win this tonight, but I’m just honored to play with Novak (Djokovic) again. I'm happy to see him on the tour."

Jim Courier, the interviewer, also questioned Chung about the glimpses of the 24-time Major champion in his game to which he responded:

"I don't know. When I young, I'm just trying to copy Novak because he's my idol."

Djokovic, who was returning to tennis after dealing with an elbow injury, gave Chung credit for playing an amazing match rather than blaming his injury,

Since October 2019, Hyeon Chung lost in the opening rounds of 14 out of the 20 tournaments he participated in. His triumph in Bali will give him a significant jump in the rankings by 381 places and make him World No. 726.