Novak Djokovic Stunned by Janko Tipsarevic in Madrid Quarterfinals

We all knew that this clash of Serbs would be an intense match, but I don't think anybody expected the outcome: a 7-6, 6-3 victory by Janko Tipsarevic over Novak Djokovic.

This year's Madrid Open has certainly been an interesting one, with Andy Murray withdrawing prior to the tournament, Rafael Nadal losing for the first time to fellow countryman Fernando Verdasco and Roger Federer battling his way to victory in an epic three-set match against rising star Milos Raonic.

As soon as Nadal dropped from the draw, Djokovic and his fans immediately saw the opportunity for a second straight Madrid title opening up. Just as quickly, those hopes have been dashed.

These stunning results may very well have an impact on the ATP rankings. If Federer wins the title, he will take the World No. 2 spot from Nadal.

They may also very well have an impact on the future of the Madrid event. This year, the tournament is debuting its new "Smurf clay," as some are calling it, and it isn't receiving much positive feedback from the stars. Nadal and Djokovic had both expressed complaints about the slick new surface, even before their defeats. 

Now that both have experienced such early dismissals, heads will be immediately turning to the new clay. Is it really fair to put these players, who have seen so much success on the courts in recent years, at a disadvantage by changing it? 

One thing is for sure: any negative remarks that we have heard from the mouths of Nadal and Djokovic will be taken much more seriously due to the recent turn of events.

For a complete summary of this quarterfinal match, click here (courtesy of ESPN).