Djokovic Falls to Opelka in Brisbane Quarterfinals as Sabalenka, Osaka Advance
Novak Djokovic’s quest for his 100th ATP title came to an abrupt end with a surprise 7-6(6), 6-3 loss to big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarterfinals on Friday. The defeat was a setback for the 37-year-old Serb as he heads to the Australian Open, aiming for both his 25th Grand Slam title and entry into the elite “100-title” club alongside Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109).
Opelka’s Dominance
Opelka, standing at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m), used his towering serve to great effect, firing 16 aces and dictating play against one of the game’s greatest returners. Djokovic saved three breakpoints to take a 5-4 lead in the opening set, but Opelka edged him in a tense tiebreak to seize early control in their first-ever meeting.
The American carried his momentum into the second set, breaking Djokovic for a 3-1 lead with a mix of power and precision, including spectacular winners from both wings. Fittingly, Opelka sealed the match with an ace, celebrating one of the biggest victories of his career.
“Novak’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen,” said Opelka. “It’s tough for him because opponents like me have nothing to lose. We play more freely and take risks, which is the only way to beat him.”
Opelka will face Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the semifinals, promising another explosive clash. Perricard, who delivered 19 aces in a 7-5, 7-6(5) win over Jakub Mensik, has now hit 75 aces in the tournament.
Other Men’s Quarterfinal Results
- Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov advanced after Jordan Thompson retired while trailing 6-4, 2-1.
- Czech star Jiri Lehecka defeated Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
Sabalenka, Andreeva Shine in Women’s Draw
Top seed and reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka booked her place in the semifinals with a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over Czech Marie Bouzkova. Despite a shaky start and some late errors on her forehand, Sabalenka secured her third straight-set win of the tournament.
The Belarusian will face 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who upset Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in a 6-4, 7-6(2) victory. Andreeva showcased her composure under pressure, cutting short Jabeur’s comeback from injury and form issues.
In the other semifinal, Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina staged a dramatic comeback, saving a match point to defeat local wildcard Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. Kalinina will meet Russia’s Polina Kudermetova, who overcame American Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(5), 6-3.
Naomi Osaka Returns to Form in Auckland
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka reached her first semifinal in nearly three years at the Auckland Classic, rallying past American Hailey Baptiste 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2.
“The key focus was believing in myself,” Osaka said. “I’ve worked hard over the past year, and even though the results didn’t always show it, I’m pushing to see how far I can go.”
Osaka, returning after a maternity break, will face the winner of the delayed quarterfinal between Katie Volynets and Alycia Parks.
