Jan 03, 2025 07:29 PM IST
Novak Djokovic was crushed 7-6 (6), 6-3 by big-serving Reilly Opelka within the Brisbane Worldwide quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic was crushed 7-6 (6), 6-3 by big-serving Reilly Opelka within the Brisbane Worldwide quarterfinals on Friday. Opelka served 16 aces — together with one to complete off every set — to earn one of many largest wins of the American’s profession.
Novak Djokovic faces defeat within the Brisbane Internationals quarter-final. (AP Picture/Pat Hoelscher)(AP)
“I was just focused on my spots,” Opelka mentioned. “If I hit them, it’s hard to get them back. If there’s anyone that can, it’s him.”
The 37-year-old Djokovic was playing his first tournament of the year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is preparing for the Australian Open, which starts on Jan. 12 and which he has won 10 times.
“We have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever,” Opelka added. “So you end up playing more free and you take a lot more risk. If you play your normal level or even above a normal level, he’s going to win every time. So it’s tough in his position because he gets guys that are good players that they roll the dice. And on a on a day like this when a lot of things go my way that’s how it works out.”
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Opelka achieved a career-high rating of No. 17 in Feb. 2022 earlier than present process hip surgical procedure later that 12 months to take away a benign tumor. He’s now No. 293.
“It was tough. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt,” Opelka mentioned.
Within the semifinals, Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who beat Jakub Mensik 7-5, 7-6 (5). The opposite semifinal will characteristic Jiri Lehecka in opposition to Grigor Dimitrov.
Lehecka beat Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 6-4 and Dimitrov superior when Jordan Thompson retired whereas Dimitrov was forward 6-1, 2-1.
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