Did anybody count on Novak Djokovic’s snug victory over Reilly Opelka in Brisbane? Actually not! Nevertheless, the Serb was the huge favourite within the quarter-final. Nonetheless, Reilly shocked Novak 7-6, 6-3, securing a spot within the semi-final!
World no. 293 toppled the legend after a flawless efficiency, reaching his first ATP semi-final since Newport final July. The American attacked and took cost within the shortest exchanges, He saved his strokes below management and carried out properly in uncommon prolonged rallies.
The lower-ranked participant fired 35 winners and 30 unforced errors. He adopted Novak’s tempo from the baseline and blasted 34 service winners compared to the rival’s 27. The American took the pivotal factors and earned a notable victory in fashion.
Novak Djokovic & Reilly Opelka, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
Reilly needed to undergo accidents and setbacks. He didn’t need to compete sooner or later, specializing in issues exterior tennis. The American now appears able to chase extra ATP titles and enhance his rating place forward of his favourite tournaments at house
Opelka produced unbelievable tennis, firing bombs from his serve and forehand and defending his backhand properly. Djokovic stood powerless on the return, even when his rival would miss the primary serve. Reilly performed towards one break level and denied it.
The strain was on the legend, and he couldn’t endure it, in contrast to many instances prior to now! Djokovic denied three break factors in a single difficult sport of the opening set earlier than dropping the tie break. He skilled one break within the second set and plagued his probabilities.
Reilly Opelka, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
They discovered the rhythm behind the preliminary shot and closed the opening eight video games very quickly. Opelka attacked on the return within the ninth sport, maintaining the factors on his racquet and producing three break probabilities. Djokovic saved them and closed the sport, avoiding an upset.
There have been no probabilities for the returners within the closing three video games, with two opponents heading right into a tie break. The American clinched a mini-break within the fifth level earlier than the Serb decreased the deficit with a uncommon return level at 2-4.
Novak Djokovic, Brisbane 2025© Stream screenshot
They stayed neck and neck, and Novak denied a set level at 5-6. Nevertheless, he misplaced some extent on serve within the thirteenth level and located himself a set behind. Novak held after deuces within the second sport of the second set and earned a break level within the subsequent one.
Opelka denied it with a strong serve, maintaining his preliminary shot intact. The lower-ranked participant grabbed the one break within the fourth sport, shifting 3-1 up and nearer to the end line. Reilly served properly in video games 5, seven and 9.
He managed the scoreboard and sealed the deal in fashion, toppling his idol and reaching the semi-final. What can we count on from the American within the semi-final. Nothing lower than a serving competition towards the younger Frenchman, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
