293rd-Ranked Reilly Opelka Upsets 24-Time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (6), 6-3 in Brisbane

Jan 3, 2025, 12:31 PM

In a stunning upset at the Brisbane International, American tennis player Reilly Opelka, ranked 293rd in the world, defeated Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, in the quarterfinals. Opelka, who is 27 years old and stands at 6ft 11in, won the match 7-6 (6), 6-3, showcasing his powerful serve with 16 aces, including one to clinch the match. This victory marks Opelka's first win against a top 10 player since 2021 and his first against Djokovic, making him the first American to beat the Serb since Sam Querrey in 2016. This ends Djokovic's campaign in Brisbane as he prepares for the Australian Open. Opelka, who had been sidelined for nearly two years due to injuries, now advances to the semifinals where he will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.