No luck needed: Sonego drops three games to shock Djokovic in Vienna

On Sunday, Lorenzo Sonego thought he was out of Vienna after losing in the final round of qualifying to Aljaz Bedene. Five days later, the 25-year-old secured the biggest win of his career by shocking world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 6-2, 6-1, in Friday’s Erste Bank Open quarterfinals to become the first lucky loser to defeat the Serbian in 13 attempts.

"For sure, it's the best victory of my life," Sonego said on court afterwards. "I played so, so good. I like this tournament. I like the conditions here. It's amazing. I don't know what to say."

Watch: Sonego's post-match interview

Sonego raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set by superbly executing an aggressive game plan. Djokovic’s timing wasn’t there, leading the 2007 champion to spray 13 unforced errors (to hitting just three winners).

The top seed went down a break to start the second set when a forehand he struck inside the baseline found the top of the net. In an intense fourth game, Sonego saved three break points, with his inside-in forehand continuing to pay dividends. The Italian passed the serve-and-volleying Djokovic with a forehand up the line winner to secure an insurance break.

The world No. 42 clawed back from 0-40 in the ensuing game, and showcased his defensive flair to move ahead 5-1. A game later, Sonego slammed the door shut after just 68 minutes to move into the semifinals. Djokovic ended his day with just seven winners to 25 unforced errors, a stark contrast to Sonego who had a +14 differential (26 winners, 12 unforced errors).

Sonego next gets Dan Evans, a 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3 winner over Grigor Dimitrov. For Djokovic, who is all but assured to clinch a record-tying sixth year-end No. 1 finish, his next event will be the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in London.

"I came here with the intention to try to earn more points and secure the No 1 in the end of the year," said Djokovic, who later told ATPTour.com, "He just blew me off the court, that's all."