(Brisbane) Novak Djokovic, no 7 in the world, was unceremoniously knocked out 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 on Friday by the American Reilly Opelka, ranked only 293ein the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, an ominous defeat for the Serbian before the Australian Open.
Posted at 7:48 a.m.
The 2 meter 11 American gave the Serb no chance, notably hitting 16 aces and multiplying unstoppable shots. Djokovic, ex-no 1 in the world coming out of a 2024 season without a Grand Slam title – a first since 2017 – wants to try to achieve a 25e Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, his favorite major tournament which he won ten times, starting on January 12 in Melbourne.
PHOTO WILLIAM WEST, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Reilly Opelka
Mpetshi Perricard reaches the half
The Frenchman with the powerful serve Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 31e world, qualified for the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane on Friday by beating the Czech Jakub Mensik (48e) in two sets 7-5, 7-6 (7/5).
PHOTO WILLIAM WEST, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
At 21 years old, Mpetshi Perricard confirms his rise to power on the ATP circuit at the start of the season, after his first victories in 2024, in Lyon (ATP 250) and Basel (ATP 500).
Against the 19-year-old Czech, he once again struck lightning with 19 aces – committing only two double faults. Also being consistent on his second serve, he did not concede any break points and was able to convert one of the two break points he had.
In the tiebreaker, the Frenchman intelligently made the mini-break with a passing (4-2), which took Mensik out of his match somewhat. After a first match point saved by Mensik in the previous game, the Czech saved two more in the tiebreaker, on his serve.
But from his first opportunity on his serve, the Frenchman was able to finish, going up to the net to volley.
