• Hopman Cup

Shock defeat for Djokovic at Hopman Cup

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of Bernard Tomic on Wednesday as Serbia fell behind before rallying to beat Australia in the Hopman Cup.

Less than two weeks before the first grand slam of the season at the Australian Open, Djokovic was beaten in straight sets by the 20-year-old, losing 6-4 6-4.

It was a performance that lacked energy from the world's leading player, who will be the defending champion in Melbourne when the Australian Open gets underway.

Tomic, who has disappointed in recent times after bursting onto the scene as a teenager, was full of power as he dictated large periods of the contest, delighting fans at the Perth Arena.

Equipped with a thunderous serve, Tomic managed to combine that facet of his game with heavy groundstrokes from the back of the court, forcing Djokovic onto the back foot from where he never recovered.

Victory is Tomic's second against Djokovic, although his other triumph came in an exhibition match at Kooyong in 2010. It handed Australia a lead in the tie, but they could not capitalise to reach Saturday's Hopman Cup final.

Ana Ivanovic levelled for Serbia in her singles rubber with a 6-2 6-3 win over Ashleigh Barty, before combining with Djokovic to win the doubles. It went to a super-tiebreaker, with the Serbian pair eventually triumphing 6-4 6-7(8) 10-6.

Earlier in the day, Italy beat Germany 2-1 after Francesca Schiavone battled illness to inspire a comeback.

Tommy Haas had given Germany the lead when he beat Andreas Seppi 7-6(3) 7-6(7), and then Schiavone found herself a set and a break down to Tatjana Malek. But the former French Open champion rallied to level the tie with a 3-6 6-3 6-3 victory, before Italy won the doubles.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.