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Australian Open 2017: fans celebrate Uzbek Denis Istomin's record run

Before this week, it's fair to say many Australians had never heard of Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin.

But when he stepped on to Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, in matching neon yellow playing glasses and sweatband, his anonymity was, unbeknownst to him at the time, about to be obliterated.

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After eliminating defending champion Novak Djokovic in five sets, Istomin has suddenly become a household name as he prepares to take on Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round, his best result at the Australian Open.

Not bad for a guy who in 2001 was so badly injured in a car crash doctors said he'd never play again. After a two-year recovery, he returned to training in 2003.

For Melbourne's tiny Uzbek community, his success has already been a cause for great celebration.

Biana Ivanoff, 32, who immigrated to Melbourne 12 years ago with her family, said she's proud to see her countryman doing so well.

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"It's far away, not many people know of Uzbekistan on its own so ... it's a proud moment," she said.

"I remember the first time I heard of Denis coming to Australia was in 2012 and it was exciting to follow him."

Ms Ivanoff, of Elsternwick, said she admires Istomin's persistence and work ethic on the court.

"His determination, the way he plays, the way he holds the serve, the way he behaves on the court, he is not showing off. He's calm and every time he's on the court he knows what his goal is," Ms Ivanoff said.

Uzbekistan, which has a population of 32 million, has a thriving tennis scene and has hosted the women's Tashkent Open since 1999.

Istomin, 30, is currently ranked 117 but will edge closer to re-entering the top 100 – he peaked at number 33 in 2012 – after the conclusion of the tournament, even if he's beaten by Dimitrov on Monday.

His previous best Australian Open performance was in 2010 and 2014 when he reached the third round. Istomin is coached by his mother, Klaudiya Istomina.