Reilly Opelka reveals strategy that helped him upset ‘greatest player’ Novak Djokovic at Brisbane International
6' 11'' Reilly Opelka took less than two hours to deny Novak Djokovic a chance to win the Brisbane International for the first time.
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Novak Djokovic, Reilly Opelka (Images via X)
Reilly Opelka created the biggest upset at the Brisbane International on Friday (January 3) when he knocked out first seed Novak Djokovic. Inside the Pat Rafter Arena, the big-serving American denied the Serb his 100th tour-level title with a 7-6(6), 6-3 victory in the quarterfinals which was also their first meeting on the tour.
The 27-year-old, with his one-hour, 40-minute victory, will be meeting another big server, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, in the semifinals, which will also be his first match in the last four since 2023. After clinching one of the biggest wins, Opelka revealed the strategy that helped him secure a berth in the semifinals.
Yeah. He’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen. It’s difficult being in his position. He can scout me or other opponents all day long… the reality is, we have nothing to lose against him. You end up playing more free.
Reilly Opelka said during his on-court interview
Had Djokovic beaten the 6’11” Opelka and the rest of the opponents to clinch his first Brisbane International title, he would’ve become just the third man to win 100 ATP trophies after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).
You take a lot more risk because if you play your normal level or even above it, he’s gonna win every time. It’s tough in his position because he gets guys that roll the dice.
Reilly Opelka added
Interviewer asking Reilly Opelka about his win over Novak Djokovic:
— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) January 3, 2025
"How did you get it done against statistically the greatest returner the sport's ever seen?"
Opelka:
"He's the greatest tennis player the sport's ever seen."pic.twitter.com/yBv6PzMZOT
Reilly Opelka sets eyes on the Australian Open after beating Novak Djokovic
Reilly Opelka secured his first Top 10 win since 2021 when he beat Novak Djokovic as he was sidelined for almost two years because of hip and wrist injuries. After upsetting the 24-time Grand Slam champion following his comeback, Opelka said he wants to play his best tennis at the Australian Open.
The big show’s in a week. Obviously, this is great, this is awesome. But this is all prep for Melbourne, and this is just a step along the way. Anyone can do this for a night or two here and there. The difficult part is sustaining it over an 11-month season.
Reilly Opelka said during his on-court interview
While Opelka will be locking horns with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Djokovic will be reflecting on his defeat to prepare for the Australian Open where he will be chasing his record 25th Grand Slam title. Last year in Melbourne, eventual winner Jannik Sinner upset him in the semifinals.
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Gouri Das
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