Reilly Opelka explains the challenges Novak Djokovic now has when he steps on court.
The American produced a blistering performance to record a 7-6, 6-3 victory over the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the Brisbane International.
The 27-year-old has not been able to play a full season since 2022 due to his injury woes over the past two years.
But Reilly Opelka is now back to full health at the start of 2025 and has shown everyone what he is capable of when completely healthy.
What did Reilly Opelka say is now Novak Djokovic’s biggest challenge?
Novak Djokovic faced a tricky contest against Opelka, who possesses one of the biggest serves in the game.
The American picked an ideal time to produce one of his best performances, and he won his very first match against the former World number one. He won 83% of points in his first serve in set one and did not face a break point as he clinched the tiebreak.
Opelka lost just two points on serve throughout the contest, and blasted 16 aces. During his on-court interview, the World number 293 made an interesting observation about Djokovic.
“He is the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen. It’s difficult being in Novak’s position. He can scout me or his other opponent all day long,” he said.
“The reality is that we have nothing to lose coming in against him. He is the greatest player ever so you go in more free, and you do things – you end up taking a lot more risks because it’s your only chance.
“If you play at your normal level or even above your normal level you are going to lose every single time. It’s tough in his position because guys that are good players roll the dice and on a day like this where a lot of things go my way that’s how it works out.”
Which feat did Reilly Opelka achieve after beating Novak Djokovic in Brisbane?
Opelka’s victory ensured he reached his first ATP Tour semi-final since the Newport Open in 2023.
In the process Opelka also became the first American man to defeat Djokovic since Sam Querrey earned a win over him at Wimbledon in 2016.
Opelka is also the only active US player to currently have a win over Djokovic, and he was very pleased with his performance.
“I just focused on hitting my spots,” Opelka said. “If I hit them my spots, it is hard to get it back, but if anyone can it is him. I was ready for that if it happened.
“He is the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen. It is difficult being in Novak’s position because he can scout me all day long but the reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him, he is the greatest player ever.
“So you end up playing more free and take more risk. If you play your normal level or even a little above your normal level he will win.”
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