Still looking for his 100e career title, Novak Djokovic will not see the final four of the ATP 250 in Brisbane, where he could have discovered the French “bomber” Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
The man with 24 Grand Slam titles fell to another “servebot”, a little more experienced, in the person of Reilly Opelka: 7–6(6), 6–3, in 1h40.
Returning midway through the 2024 season from a serious hip injury, the 27-year-old American is now 293e global. And yet, he displayed an impressive level of play against a calm Nole in his first two matches of the season.
L’ex‐17e world showed this Friday why he was part of the top 20 in 2022. Djokovic, who faced Opelka for the first time, did not find the solution to break the American giant, who seized his chance with an offensive style and quality stunning movement.
Djokovic has around ten days before him to settle. He will be joined by his new coach, Andy Murray, one week before the start of the Australian Open (January 12 to 26).
For a place in the final in Brisbane, Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a duel of huge servers.
Published on Friday January 3, 2025 at 1:31 p.m.
