Djokovic slumps to Safin defeat

Djokovic was one of the favourites for the title after claiming his first grand slam at the Australian Open but the young Serbian looked completely out of sorts as Safin powered to a 6-4 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 victory on Centre Court.

"For me to beat Djokovic on Centre Court, especially on this surface, is a great match," Safin told BBC1.

"I was still nervous because I have not won this type of match for a long time. I had to concentrate from the beginning and take my opportunities because he is the one under pressure, trying to be number one in the world at the end of the year.

"For me, nobody expects anything. I didn't look in the draw beyond this when I saw Djokovic in the second round."

Safin had only twice won back-to-back matches on tour in 2008 but was in command from the outset in bright and blustery conditions, twice breaking Djokovic's serve with some crunching ground strokes.

Djokovic was also contributing to his own troubles however, his fourth double-fault gifting Safin the initial break and, after breaking straight back, the 21-year-old lost his serve again to love.

The 28-year-old Russian then produced an inspired mix of great returns, forehand winners and deft changes of angle to take the second set tie-break 7-3 for a two sets to love lead.

Djokovic had managed just one previous comeback from two sets down in his career and never looked likely to improve that statistic. Another costly double-fault gifted Safin a break of serve and 2-0 lead in the third set, leaving the world number 75 to simply serve out for a famous victory.

However, the 28-year-old set up two match points with an awesome backhand winner down the line and, although Djokovic saved those and one more, two more consecutive double faults gifted Safin the victory and the biggest shock of the championships so far.