By Levi J Parsons
MELBOURNE, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Day eight of the Australian Open on Monday had shocks, surprises and a distinct Asian flair.
After what many described as the standout performance of the entire tournament, the new name on everyone's lips in the world of tennis is Hyeon Chung.
The South Korean defeated legend of the sport Novak Djokovic in straight sets with precision power hitting from the baseline that not even a 13-time Grand Slam winner could defend.
Although the 21-year-old is currently ranked 58, Djokovic said it won't be long before the youngster is in the top 10.
But Chung told Xinhua after the match, "I'm just trying to focus every day, every moment on this Grand Slam."
"I'm happy to stay on court, in the big stadium, because Melbourne has really good fans and I'm just happy to be here," he said.
Also on display today was Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-wei in her round of 16 match against Germany's Angelique Kerber.
Although Hsieh was up in the first set and troubled the for former Australian Open winner, the crafty left hander was able to fight back and win the next two sets in a gripping 3-set thriller.
Fascinated by her highly entertaining style of play that included a number of drop shots, reporters asked Hsieh after the match how she plans her strategy.
"I don't have a plan," she said.
"Actually, my boyfriend was looking at her game earlier this morning but I forgot to ask him how she plays, so I just freestyle."
"That's why tennis is so interesting, all the girls have different timing and a different game, western style or Chinese style, that's what makes tennis so fun."
Japan's Naomi Osaka was also in action after an impressive tournament run.
But despite a spirited performance, world number one Simona Halep was too much for the young power hitter and took the contest in straight sets.
In other matches Roger Federer showed that he's still the man to beat, easing his way past Marton Fucsovics, while Tomas Berdych proved too strong for Fabio Fognini and in a major upset, fifth seed Dominic Thiem crashed out in five sets against up and coming American Tennys Sandgren.
In the women's bracket Madison Keys beat out world number eight Caroline Garcia and Czech player Karolina Pliskova edged out her countryman Barbora Strycova after fighting back from one set down.
