Djokovic, who is due to team up with former British No 1 and old rival Andy Murray as his new coach later this month, was bested in an opening set tie-breaker and then broken in the fourth game of the second – shortly after spurning an opportunity of his own on the Opelka serve
It’s far from ideal preparation for the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season for the record 24-time champion Djokovic, the 37-year-old appearing here in his first tournament since mid-October.
For Opelka, this is unquestionably the biggest win of his career to date. The 27-year-old American has won four ATP 250 tournaments and had a career-high ranking of world No 17 in 2022 before injury troubles have limited him to playing only one match over the past two years.
“He is the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen,” Opelka said of Djokovic, following his statement win. “It’s difficult being in Novak’s position… he can scout me or his opponents all day long, but the reality is that we have nothing to lose coming in against him.
