Djokovic Stunned by Opelka in Brisbane, Australian Open Preparations Hit
Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the Australian Open took a significant blow after a surprising loss to towering American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarterfinals on Friday.
Opelka, standing at an imposing 2.11 meters (6 feet 11 inches), delivered a commanding performance to defeat the 24-time Grand Slam champion 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. The 27-year-old American, who returned to the tour in July 2024 following nearly two years away due to hip and wrist surgeries, served 16 aces and faced only one break point during the match.
Djokovic, 37, entered the tournament confident in his ability to challenge younger opponents, but Opelka’s powerful serve and aggressive returns proved too much for the Serbian veteran. The match lasted just an hour and 40 minutes.
Praising Djokovic, Opelka said, “He’s the greatest player ever. You have nothing to lose playing him, so you take risks, and today it paid off.”
Opelka advances to face French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, another strong server who has tallied 75 aces in three matches, after his 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) win over Jakub Mensik.
**Women's Semifinals Highlight Rising Talent**
In the women’s draw, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominance, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4 in a tightly contested quarterfinal. Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, will face 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals.
Andreeva delivered an impressive performance to defeat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). The Russian teenager overcame the tricky shotmaking of Jabeur, a two-time Wimbledon runner-up returning from injury, to seal victory in 90 minutes.
The second women’s semifinal will feature Russian qualifier Polina Kudermetova against Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina.
With the Australian Open beginning on January 12, players like Djokovic will look to regroup as the season’s first Grand Slam looms.
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