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Fit-again American giant Reilly Opelka has stopped Novak Djokovic in his tracks in Brisbane to ensure the Serb’s wait for a 100th ATP title goes on.
On the comeback from long-term hip and wrist injuries, the bearded 211cm Opelka won 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 on Friday night to book a semi-final spot.
Djokovic, whose only 2024 title came at the Paris Olympics, opted for a rare appearance at the Brisbane International before attempting to win a record 25th grand slam title – and 11th Australian Open – in Melbourne later this month.
It was all going splendidly until Opelka began sending down rockets, the former world No.17 then finding range on his whipping forehand and huge backhand to win in 101 minutes.
It ended Djokovic’s winning streak against Americans, dating back nine years, at 34 matches.
Djokovic was unable to get any traction on Opelka’s serve, instead forced to save three break points on his own and then rally from 4-2 down in the tiebreak.
But Opelka didn’t waver, sealing the 58-minute first set with an ace as Djokovic, who wasn’t playing poorly, became agitated.
Two venomous backhand winners then handed the 27-year-old a service break in the second set and Djokovic had few chances to redeem himself as Opelka, a winner of seven ATP titles, closed out arguably the biggest win of his career.
“He’s the greatest tennis player the sport’s ever seen,” Opelka said after the pair shared a moment at the net.
“He can scout me or his opponent all day long but the reality is you have nothing to lose coming against him.
“You play more freely, take more risks because it’s your only chance because if you play, even above your normal level, he’s going to win every time.
“He gets guys that roll the dice and on days like this when things go my way that’s how it works out.”
Opelka returned midway through last year having managed just one match in the previous two years due to hip and multiple wrist surgeries.
“A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt. I watched a lot of my friends on TV do great.
“That was fun and motivating for me, kept me interested in the sport.
“I watched Novak become the greatest in that two-year period and you find yourself asking ,’what would Novak do in this situation?’
“That’s the effect he’s had on the sport.
“I stayed the course even when I was in a cast and on crutches just hoping I’d have another chance like out here tonight.”
But Opelka, with the Australian Open in mind, is not getting ahead of himself.
“Melbourne … the big show’s in a week,” he said.
“This is just a step along the way. I’m excited but it’s kind of the beginning of a new start for me.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Jordan Thompson’s Australian Open build-up has been clouded after he was forced to retire in his quarter-final with injury.
Set to be seeded for the first time at his home grand slam, the world No.26 received treatment to his right calf before pulling the pin, down 6-1 2-1 citing foot pain, to defending champion Grigor Dimitrov on Friday.
The 30-year-old then withdrew from next week’s Adelaide International.
Thompson enjoyed the best year of his career in 2024 and began in similar fashion this week, with fighting victories against Matteo Berrettini and Alex Michelsen to again reach the final eight in Brisbane.
But, in superb form, world No.10 Dimitrov was offering no favours as he controlled the points and left Thompson wincing as he scrambled side-to-side.
When Thompson walked to the net it marked the second straight year the rejuvenated Bulgarian had sent him packing from the tournament.
The Australian Open begins on January 12, Thompson’s injury scare an unwanted headache as he readies for his first major with the protection of a seeding.
A wincing Thompson received treatment between sets and then again before what was to be the final game of the match, the trainer rubbing his lower leg but never taking off the player’s shoe.
“It’s very unfortunate for him, I hope he’s ready for the Aussie Open,” Dimitrov said.
“From the beginning I felt like I was in control … all those things, they’re giving me a lot of confidence.”
Dimitrov will play Jiri Lehecka in one semi-final, whil
Dimitrov will play Jiri Lehecka in one semi-final, while Reilly Opelka shocked Novak Djokovic 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 in Friday’s late match.
Giant Opelka, on the comeback from long-term injuries, will face France’s big-serving rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who is yet to drop a service game on his way to the semis after beating Czech Jakub Mensik 7-5 7-6 (7-5).
Djokovic had no answer for Opelka’s bombing serve and when the American found his range from both wings on the baseline it was curtains for the top seed.
© AAP
