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Safin: Super performance
Marat Safin produced an inspired performance to defeat third seed Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
The former world number one won 6-4 7-6 6-2 on Centre Court as Djokovic, tipped as a potential champion, crumbled under the pressure.
Djokovic was one of the favourites for the title after claiming his first grand slam at the Australian Open in January and reaching the semi-finals at the All England Club 12 months ago.
But the young Serbian looked completely out of sorts as Safin, the hugely talented but infamously-erratic Russian, powered to victory.
"For me to beat Djokovic on Centre Court, especially on this surface, is a great match," Safin said.
"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.
No expectations
"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 two players had met just once before, Safin thrashing the 17-year-old Djokovic 6-0 6-2 6-1 in the first round of the Australian Open in 2005 on his way to the title.
There was no danger of such an emphatic scoreline being repeated today, but Safin was sticking to his guns and forced two more break points early in the second set.
Djokovic held his nerve to stay in front and slowly began to hold serve with ease, leaving Safin to play catch-up and force a tie-break.
And it was the 28-year-old Russian who produced an inspired mix of great returns, forehand winners and deft changes of angle to take it 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.
