Djokovic was hampered by a right wrist problem in Serbia’s victory over Czech Republic yesterday and the world No 1 had it worked on again by a trainer before de Minaur earned a late break and went on to clinch the opening set.

Australian Open champion Djokovic dropped serve yet again to hand de Minaur a 4-3 advantage in the second set and saved three match points later, but was unable to prevent the shock loss.

Top seeds Poland earlier beat China to reach the semifinals of the 18-team event after the big-hitting Hubert Hurkacz eased past Zhang Zhizhen 6-3, 6-4and Iga Swiatek fought back from 2-0 down in the first set to beat Zheng Qinwen 6-2, 6-3.

It was Swiatek’s third straight singles victory in the event which the world No 1 is using to prepare for this month’s Australian Open.

Caroline Garcia and Adrian Mannarino guided France into the quarterfinals with a victory over Italy.

World No 20 Garcia beat Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 after Mannarino beat Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 6-4 in the Group D tie.

Greece took a 1-0 lead over Canada in Group B as Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas won his first singles match of the season by beating Steven Diez 6-2, 6-3.

The Australian Open runs from on Jan 14-28.