Asian Games: Unfinished business leaves Istomin wanting final glory

Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin hates being remembered for his feat against Novak Djokovic last year. Having won silver at Guangzhou in 2010, the world No. 77 wants gold this time. The 31-year-old is likely to be the top seed.
Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin hates being remembered for his feat against Novak Djokovic last year. Having won silver at Guangzhou in 2010, the world No. 77 wants gold this time. The 31-year-old is likely to be the top seed. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
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He popped his head into centre court at Palembang's Jakabaring Tennis Centre and, just as quickly, slipped out. Indonesia's tennis players were still hitting cross-court winners, dripping from the 34-deg C heat, and Denis Istomin knew he had to wait his turn.

The next time the 31-year-old Uzbek walked out on court, he already had his game face on.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 19, 2018, with the headline Asian Games: Unfinished business leaves Istomin wanting final glory. Subscribe