Novak Djokovic seemed perplexed. © APA/afp / WILLIAM WEST

Surprise: Djokovic is eliminated early in Brisbane

Record Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 tennis tournament in Brisbane on Friday.

03 January 2025

From: dpa/tu

Barely ten days before the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic (ATP 7) suffered a surprising defeat at a preparation tournament in Brisbane. The 37-year-old Serb, one of the big favorites for the title, lost in the quarterfinals to the American Reilly Opelka (ATP 293) 6:7 ​​(6), 3:6.

Djokovic only had one break chance in the entire match, but he was unable to capitalize on it. The 2,11-time Grand Slam champion had little chance of breaking Opelka's serve against him, who is 22 meters tall and started in the main draw thanks to a "protected ranking." After Djokovic suffered a break in the second set, he was unable to recover. It was the first time the two players had met.

Djokovic and Opelka shake hands. © APA/afp / PATRICK HAMILTON

Opelka, who has struggled with numerous injury problems in recent years and only played one match on the tour in 2023, was humble after the match: "He is the greatest player of all time," the American said of Djokovic. "But the truth is that we have nothing to lose by playing him. In the end, you play more freely and take more risks because that's the only chance to beat him."

goal does not change

The Serb, who has been coached by Andy Murray since this season, had previously shown good form in Brisbane, but was unable to match this against the strong serve Opelka. Despite the defeat, Djokovic remains focused. Starting on January 12, he will fight for his 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and will want to extend his record in Melbourne.

Opelka will now face Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (ATP 31) in the semifinals. The other semifinal will be contested by Jiri Lehecka (ATP 28) and Grigor Dimitrov (ATP 10).