27-year-old American tennis player Reilly Opelka, a former Top 20 star who has been sidelined for years with injury, notched a huge win in his comeback with a straight-set win over Novak Djokovic at Brisbane International. Opelka has not beaten a Top 10 player since 2021. He is the first American to beat Djokovic in 35 attempts with Sam Querrey being the last to do so nine years ago in 2016.
This was Opelka’s first Top 10 win since beating No. 3 Tsitsipas in 2021 ATP Masters 1000 Toronto SF.
It was also the first time an American defeated Djokovic in 35 attempts, since Sam Querrey ‘s 3rd round win at Wimbledon in 2016.
— Greg Sharko (@SharkoTennis) January 3, 2025
Djokovic told the fans earlier in the week that he was motivated to win Brisbane because he never did before. His career milestones are too plentiful to count, but it was Opelka’s night in the quarterfinals.
Wow. WOW.
Reilly Opelka, ranked #293 in the world after a couple of years off the tour, upsets 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-3 in one of the biggest wins of his career.
Into the semifinals in Brisbane.
Faces fellow giant Giovanni MPerricard tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/rv4vZcXyTZ
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 3, 2025
Opelka had always been known for his spectacular serve. The 6’11” star had it working magnificently so that Djokovic was constantly guessing and on the defensive.
Back in the BIG TIME! 🔥
Reilly Opelka takes out Novak Djokovic to advance into the semi-finals in Brisbane#Brisbanetennis pic.twitter.com/wP7caWUUnt
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 3, 2025
Reilly Opelka was measured in his post-match reaction. In the post-match on-court interview, he said there is more work to do with his game and endurance. Opelka said his goals include the upcoming Australian Open.
Opelka suffered a hip injury in late 2022. He planned a comeback in late 2023 but had to retire in his first tournament.
In July 2024, he quietly began returning to ATP Tour-level matches and having success. He jumped into the Top 500 after falling outside of the Top 1000 because of his prolonged time away from the game.
Opelka worked at The Tennis Channel during his injury layoff providing excellent analysis.
He will next face another big server, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who defeated Nick Kyrgios, Jakub Mensik, and Frances Tiafoe en route to the Brisbane International semifinal.
