Andy Roddick ‘not super alarmed’ for Novak Djokovic despite defeat to No. 171 Reilly Opelka at Brisbane International
Reilly Opelka defeated World No.7 Novak Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Brisbane International.
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Andy Roddick, Novak Djokovic, Reilly Opelka (Images via X, The Tennis Gazette)
Novak Djokovic‘s preparation for the 2025 Australian Open hit a roadblock when he succumbed to a straight-set defeat to World No. 171 Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International. In spite of the shock exit from the ATP 250 event, Andy Roddick is not concerned about the Serb.
Djokovic’s form last season led to many thinking that his age is becoming a hindrance on his path to more Grand Slam glory. Last season, he not only failed to win a Major but was trophyless on the tour.
Djokovic then hired Andy Murray to improve his game and challenge the youngsters. But as Djokovic had a disappointing campaign in Brisbane, Roddick, instead of expressing doubt about the Belgrade native’s form, believes he would have emerged victorious if he played a best-of-five match against the 6’11” American.
I am not super alarmed for Novak, it’s not like he doesn’t know how to play tennis. The best-of-five format favors Novak over everyone except maybe a couple of players on earth at this point in his career. There is a long road still, let’s say this is three out of five and Opelka wins the first two, he still has to be physically there, mentally there. It’s still a long way to beat Novak.
Andy Roddick said on Served with Andy Roddick podcast
Djokovic has started practicing for the Australian Open under Murray, who was absent during the Brisbane International due to a family skiing trip. The Serbian great will be chasing his 25th Grand Slam title in Melbourne where, last year, he suffered a four-set defeat to eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the semifinal.
Stefan Edberg warns rivals to be wary of Novak Djokovic in Grand Slam events
Novak Djokovic will turn 38 in May this year. He is now older than any player who has lifted a Grand Slam singles title in the Open Era. Although he had a disappointing season last year, six-time Grand Slam singles winner Stefan Edberg believes Nole is still a contender in the Majors, especially at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
You can never count him out if everything goes right. My personal view is his best chance is the Australian Open or possibly Wimbledon, with all the experience he has on grass. Everything needs to go for him – he’s a year older and hasn’t played so many matches over the last six months.
Stefan Edberg told BBC Sport
Djokovic has won 10 Australian Open and seven Wimbledon trophies. The last time he emerged as champion in Melbourne was in 2023 with a straight-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. He last lifted the Wimbledon in 2022 by beating Nick Kyrgios in four sets in the final.
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