Novak Djokovic Upset by World No.293 in Brisbane

Reilly Opelka defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

Novak Djokovic is seen walking off court after losing to Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarterfinals. / IMAGO / AAP

The new year is only three days old, and tennis cannot stop giving fans surprises. While the sport has dealt with plenty of drama off the court as of late, the biggest shock came on the court in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Brisbane International.

On Friday, Reilly Opelka defeated Novak Djokovic in a stunning upset. Opelka entered the match as the World No.293 and Djokovic as the World No.7. Yet, Opelka won in straight sets: 7-6(6), 6-3.

Big serve seals the set ✅

Opelka wins the first set 7-6(6) over Djokovic. Will Reilly pull off the upset? 🤔#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/blSjdJPFVo

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 3, 2025

Opelka, a 6'11" American, was once ranked as high as World No.17. However, he missed most of the last two seasons dealing with hip and wrist injuries. Meanwhile, Djokovic was using Brisbane to prepare for his run at a 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this month.

"I was just focused on my spots," Opelka said. "If I hit them, it’s hard to get them back. If there’s anyone that can, it’s him." Throughout his on-court interview after the match, Opelka spoke to the challenges of overcoming the injuries and how he looked up to Djokovic.

Bad night to be a tennis ball when Reilly Opelka is around.

He *CRUSHES* a 30th winner on the night to break Novak Djokovic, then holds and leads 7-6(6) 4-1!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/tcyQ2bGnpt

— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 3, 2025

Opelka said, "I watched Novak become the greatest in my two-year period off. You ask yourself what would Novak be doing in my position. That is the impact he has had on the sport. I stayed the course when I was on crutches and just hoped I would have another chance out here like I had tonight."

Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the semifinals. The rising French superstar won the 2024 ATP Most Improved Player of the Year award and shows no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, the other semifinal match features Jiri Lehecka against Grigor Dimitrov.

A simply stunning performance. 🌟

Reilly Opelka takes down Novak Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-3 in their first career meeting. He now advances to the Semifinals. 💪#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/BRGPNZbsEx

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 3, 2025

Despite enjoying the biggest win of his career, Opelka remains focused on the Australian Open. "The big show’s in a week," he said.

"Obviously this is great, this is awesome. But this is all prep for Melbourne, and this is just a step along the way. Anyone can do this for a night or two here and there. The difficult part is sustaining it over an 11- month season."

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