Djokovic Stunned By Incredible Opelka Already In Brisbane Quarter-Finals
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Novak Djokovic's journey at the 2025 Brisbane International ended earlier than expected when a very inspired Reilly Opelka stopped him.
The 37-year-old Serbian was the biggest favorite to win at the ATP 250 event in Brisbane. Not only because he was the most experienced and most successful player in the draw but also because he was the top seed.
In the first two rounds, Djokovic recorded relatively easy wins. First, he bested Rinky Hijikata, who received a wild card, before also outplaying Gael Monfils for the 20th time in his career to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
His quarter-final opponent was Reilly Opelka. The tall American struggled a lot with injuries in recent years, practically missing out on any playing time since August 2022. He made a brief appearance in November 2023, playing one match, after which he immediately withdrew from the ATP Challenger event in Charlottesville.
In 2024, he fully returned to the ATP Tour, but of course, it would take time before he could play his best tennis. The American player ended the season with eight wins and ten losses, which is why he started the new year ranked only 293rd.
However, in Brisbane, he has been showing why he once used to be ranked 17th in the world. In the first two rounds, he recorded two relatively easy wins while blasting a total of 34 aces past his opponents.
Against Djokovic, his serve was important if he wanted to win, as he played against the arguably best returner of all time. It worked well for Opelka, who barely lost any points on his serve in the opening set of the match.
He didn't play exceptionally just on his serve, but at 4-4, the tall American created three break point opportunities on Djokovic's serve, but the Serbian player masterfully saved all three of them.
That meant the opening set of the match had to be decided in a tie-break. Opelka got the first mini-break, but the 10-time Australian Open champion quickly broke back and even led 5-4 at one point.
But Djokovic never got to a set point. Opelka had the first one at 6-5, and despite not using it, he found his way to another one at 7-6, which he was able to use and win the tie-break of the first set 8-6.
Opelka hit 12 aces in the first set and lost only five points on his serve, which was crucial. In the second set, the American struggled on his serve a bit more, but so did his opponent.
Djokovic had a break point already in the third game, but Opelka saved it, and he even created his own break chances in the following game. Despite not using the first one, the American used his second to break Djokovic's serve, which ensured him a 3-1 lead.
Opelka then controlled his service games for the remainder of the set to stun Djokovic, winning the match 7-6(6), 6-3. His next opponent will be Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who, like Opelka, is an incredible server.
Djokovic, on the other hand, will now likely travel to Melbourne and start his preparations for the 2025 Australian Open, where he will attempt to win his 11th title in Melbourne and 25th major overall.
