Novak Djokovic crashes out of Brisbane International after losing to World No. 293 Reilly Opelka

Twenty-four-time Grand Slam winner, Novak Djokovic, was stunned by Reilly Opelka

Competing in his first tournament since October, Novak Djokovic was dealt a stunning blow by Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Brisbane International. Despite his ranking slipping to No. #293 after a two-year injury hiatus, Opelka thoroughly dominated the Serbian, leaving him clueless on court. The American cruised to a straight-set victory, delivering the first biggest upset of the 2025 season so far.

An early exit just weeks before the all-important Australian Open raises concerns for the 37-year-old, who might have viewed the Slam as his best shot at claiming a 25th Grand Slam title. Earlier at the Brisbane International competition, Djokovic had sailed into the quarterfinals with ease, dropping just 12 games in his first two matches, defeating Rinky Hijikata and Gael Monfils on the way.

Back in the BIG TIME! 🔥Reilly Opelka takes out Novak Djokovic to advance into the semi-finals in Brisbane#Brisbanetennis pic.twitter.com/wP7caWUUnt

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 3, 2025

However, the Serbian was wary of the 6’11 Opelka. After his second-round win on Thursday, the world No. #7 said: “Opelka has been injured, couple years he struggled a lot. Great guy off the court, we get on well. I’ve never faced him on the court. My gosh, I’m going to have to probably step back a few steps for that first serve.”

The American’s formidable first serve made it extremely challenging for Djokovic to break him. The 37-year-old was made to work at the end of the first set, saving three break points. But Opelka kept pushing at the Serb and, after 58 minutes, he succeeded, taking the first set in a tiebreak. Djokovic had a chance to take the lead in the third game off the second set, when he earned a break point but failed to grab it.

Sealed with an ace ✅Reilly Opelka upsets top seed Djokovic 7-6 6-3, securing his spot in the final four in Brisbane!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/1zIPG2Huaf

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 3, 2025

The American continued to pile pressure on Djokovic, responding brilliantly by breaking in the very next game. The frustration mounted for the 24-time Grand Slam winner who was now a set and a break down. Opelka kept on rolling through with his huge serve and completed his domination with an ace, triumphing 7-6 6-3 over the Serb.

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With the victory, Opelka becomes the lowest-ranked man in tournament history to reach the semi-final. It’s also his first win over a top-10 player since the Canadian Open in 2021. Post his victory, the American praised Djokovic and went on to say, “He’s the greatest tennis player this sport has ever seen”.

Opelka will now face another tall server in 6’8 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard as he aims to reach the final. It’s a huge opportunity for the American, who spent two years on the sidelines and had multiple surgeries. Novak Djokovic on the other end, will now directly feature in the Australian Open and will hope for a much better outing, if he were to claim his record-eleventh Australian Open title.

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