Opelka defeats Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane Open

Big-serving American Reilly Opelka gave Novak Djokovic an upset 7-6(6) 6-3 loss in the Brisbane International quarterfinals on Friday, ending Djokovic’s hopes of winning a historic 100th ATP championship.

The loss was a major setback for the Serb, who will go to the Australian Open to try to win his 25th Grand Slam trophy and join Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109), who have both won at least 100 trophies.

As Opelka stepped up his serve and took early control of his first tour match against the 37-year-old, Djokovic dropped the opening set in a hard tiebreak despite saving three breakpoints in oppressive circumstances to go 5-4 up.

Djokovic was shaken by the 6′ 11″ (2.11 m) American, who produced incredible winners on both sides, as Opelka, who had been out of the top circuit for almost two years until making a comeback last year, broke for a 3-1 lead in the following second.

Against one of the top returners in the world, Opelka delivered the decisive punch on his serve, and the 27-year-old appropriately ended the match with his 16th ace.

Shortly after one of his biggest victories, Opelka declared, “He’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen.”

It’s challenging to be in Novak’s shoes. He has the entire day to scout me and my opponents. In actuality, we have nothing to lose by opposing him.

Playing more freely is the result. You risk much more since it’s your only option. He will always win if you play at or above your typical level.

“He gets dice-rolling men who are good players. And that’s the way it goes on a day like today, when a lot of things go my way.”

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who defeated Czech Jakub Mensik 7-5 7-6(5) with 19 aces to raise his tournament total to 75, will be Opelka’s next opponent in what should be an exciting match.

Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov advanced after Jordan Thompson retired with a 6-4 2-1 deficit, and Jiri Lehecka easily defeated Nicolas Jarry, winning 6-4 6-4.

SLEEP START

For her third straight-sets victory this week, Aryna Sabalenka defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-4 in the women’s event, overcoming another slow start and a few wobbly moments on her forehand in the closing seconds.

Mirra Andreeva, a 17-year-old Russian, will be Sabalenka’s next opponent. She defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4 7-6(2), ending his recovery from form and injury problems.

Anhelina Kalinina ended local wildcard Kimberly Birrell’s run with a 4-6 6-1 7-5 victory after saving a matchpoint. This set up a matchup with Polina Kudermetova, who defeated Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(5) 6-3.

At the Auckland Classic, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka overcame Hailey Baptiste 6-7(2) 6-1 6-2 to go to her first semi-final in over three years.

“My main goals were to have a lot of faith and confidence in myself,” Osaka, who rejoined the WTA Tour a year ago following a maternity leave, stated.

“I put a lot of work in throughout last year, and even though the results didn’t show it, I’m just continuing to try as hard as I can and see where it gets me.”