Novak Djokovic’s quest for a landmark 100th ATP title came to a halt as he fell to a 7-6(6), 6-3 defeat against American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarter-finals.
The loss dealt a blow to the 37-year-old Serb’s preparations for the Australian Open, where he will aim for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and another chance to join Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors in the exclusive 100-title club.
In stifling conditions, Djokovic saved three breakpoints to go 5-4 up in the opening set, but Opelka dominated the tiebreak with his booming serve. The American broke early in the second set, using his 6ft 11in frame to devastating effect with powerful winners from both flanks. Fittingly, Opelka sealed the match with his 16th ace.
“He’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen,” Opelka said after one of the biggest wins of his career. “You have to take risks against someone like Novak. Today, everything went my way.”
Opelka will now face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the semi-finals, after the Frenchman fired 19 aces in a 7-5, 7-6(5) victory over Jakub Mensik.
Elsewhere, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov advanced after Jordan Thompson retired while trailing 6-4, 2-1, and Jiri Lehecka overcame Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 6-4.
Sabalenka and Osaka shine in women’s events
In the women’s draw, Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive form, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4 for her third straight-sets victory of the week. She will face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who ended Ons Jabeur’s comeback hopes with a 6-4, 7-6(2) win.
Anhelina Kalinina saved a match point to beat wildcard Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, setting up a semi-final against Polina Kudermetova, who defeated Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(5), 6-3.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka reached her first semi-final in nearly three years at the Auckland Classic, rallying to a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 victory over Hailey Baptiste. Reflecting on her progress, Osaka said, “I’ve worked hard and I’m continuing to push myself. It’s great to see that effort starting to pay off.”
