Did anyone expect Novak Djokovic’s comfortable victory over Reilly Opelka in Brisbane? Certainly not! However, the Serb was the massive favorite in the quarter-final. Still, Reilly stunned Novak 7-6, 6-3, securing a place in the semi-final!
World no. 293 toppled the legend after a flawless performance, reaching his first ATP semi-final since Newport last July. The American attacked and took charge in the shortest exchanges, He kept his strokes under control and performed well in rare extended rallies.
The lower-ranked player fired 35 winners and 30 unforced errors. He followed Novak’s pace from the baseline and blasted 34 service winners in comparison to the rival’s 27. The American took the pivotal points and earned a notable victory in style.
Novak Djokovic & Reilly Opelka, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
Reilly had to go through injuries and setbacks. He did not want to compete at some point, focusing on things outside tennis. The American now seems ready to chase more ATP titles and improve his ranking position ahead of his favorite tournaments at home
Opelka produced incredible tennis, firing bombs from his serve and forehand and protecting his backhand nicely. Djokovic stood powerless on the return, even when his rival would miss the first serve. Reilly played against one break point and denied it.
The pressure was on the legend, and he could not endure it, unlike many times in the past! Djokovic denied three break points in one challenging game of the opening set before losing the tie break. He experienced one break in the second set and plagued his chances.
Reilly Opelka, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
They found the rhythm behind the initial shot and closed the opening eight games in no time. Opelka attacked on the return in the ninth game, keeping the points on his racquet and generating three break chances. Djokovic saved them and closed the game, avoiding an upset.
There were no chances for the returners in the final three games, with two opponents heading into a tie break. The American clinched a mini-break in the fifth point before the Serb reduced the deficit with a rare return point at 2-4.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
They stayed neck and neck, and Novak denied a set point at 5-6. However, he lost a point on serve in the 13th point and found himself a set behind. Novak held after deuces in the second game of the second set and earned a break point in the next one.
Opelka denied it with a powerful serve, keeping his initial shot intact. The lower-ranked player grabbed the only break in the fourth game, moving 3-1 up and closer to the finish line. Reilly served well in games five, seven and nine.
He controlled the scoreboard and sealed the deal in style, toppling his idol and reaching the semi-final. What can we expect from the American in the semi-final. Nothing less than a serving festival against the young Frenchman, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
Tennis World USA