Reilly Opelka stunned tennis fans and professionals alike on January 3, 2025, when he defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International. The towering American emerged victorious with scores of 7-6 (6), 6-3, marking one of the most significant wins of his career and breaking Djokovic's streak of dominance.
This match, which took place on center court, was pivotal for both players. For the 37-year-old Djokovic, it was his first tournament of the year as he prepared for the upcoming Australian Open, where he is the reigning champion and has triumphed ten times. Following his defeat, Djokovic took to Instagram to commend his opponent, posting, "Amazing tennis, Reilly. Absolutely deserved." His graciousness reflected the competitive spirit of the match.
Opelka, who stands at 6’11”, served up an impressive 16 aces, clinching the final point of each set with explosive precision. "I was just focused on my spots. If I hit them, it’s hard to get them back. If there’s anyone who can, it’s him," Opelka remarked, showcasing his respect for the Serbian legend. This was the first encounter between the two, and Opelka made clear his strategy to play liberally against one of the greatest players of all time.
"We have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever, so you end up playing more free and you take a lot more risks, because it’s your only chance," Opelka said post-match. His mindset to embrace risk paid off, as his performance surpassed expectations.
Ranked No. 293 at the time of the match, Opelka's career has been anything but linear. He reached his career-high ranking of No. 17 back in February 2022, but his path took a drastic turn when he underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor from his hip. "It was tough. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt,” Opelka reflected on the challenges he faced during his recovery. His admission resonates deeply as he expressed the mental and physical hurdles he overcame to get back onto the court. His resolve to return to the sport has been inspiring for many.
This defeat marks Djokovic’s lowest-ranked loss since May 2004, when he lost to Melle Van Gemerden. Opelka's victory also signifies the first time since 2016, when Sam Querrey defeated Djokovic at Wimbledon, an American man has taken down the Serbian on the ATP tour.
Moving forward, Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who also advanced after overcoming Jakub Mensik with scores of 7-5, 7-6 (5). Their semifinal match promises to be another fierce contest, as Perricard is hailed as one of the rising stars of the ATP tour.
Opelka’s powerful serving and adaptability will be put to the test against the talented French youngster, who has also showcased his skills with impressive victories, including overcoming notable players like Nick Kyrgios. The anticipation builds as the tournament progresses, and all eyes will be on this match.
Overall, Reilly Opelka’s stunning triumph over Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International marks not just a personal milestone but also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and thrill of professional tennis. It highlights the intensity of competition and the potential for surprises, placing Opelka squarely back on the map as he eyes his future challenges.