3rd January 2025 – (Brisbane) At the Brisbane International, Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the quarterfinals on Friday night, while top seed Aryna Sabalenka progressed to the semifinals.
Djokovic fell to world number 293 Reilly Opelka, losing 7-6 (6), 6-3 in a match that lasted one hour and 40 minutes on centre court. The American, known for his powerful serve, delivered an impressive performance, recording 16 aces as he secured the biggest win of his career in their first encounter.
“We had nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever, so you play more freely and take more risks because it’s your only chance,” Opelka stated on court after his victory. “If you play at your normal level, he’s going to win every time.”
The defeat leaves Djokovic with 99 career singles titles as he heads into the Australian Open, a tournament he has won a record 10 times.
Earlier, world number one Sabalenka defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 44 minutes to set up a semifinal clash with rising star Mirra Andreeva. Bouzkova initially broke Sabalenka’s serve in the opening game but was unable to maintain the momentum.
In the other women’s semifinal, world number 107 Polina Kudermetova will take on Anhelina Kalinina. Opelka will face another formidable server, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard from France, while second seed and defending champion Grigor Dimitrov is set to compete against Jiri Lehecka.
