The much-anticipated quest for Novak Djokovic’s 100th career title was unexpectedly postponed at the ATP 250 Brisbane International. The Serbian legend’s run came to an abrupt halt in the quarterfinals, falling to Reilly Opelka, whose powerful serve and surprising versatility proved too much for Djokovic to handle.
Opelka’s lethal mix of unyielding service games and sharp baseline solutions left Djokovic visibly frustrated, derailing the 37-year-old’s ideal start to the 2025 season. This loss raises questions about Djokovic’s readiness for the Australian Open, where he will aim to solidify his status as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) and counter rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic’s Brisbane campaign marked an uncharacteristic stumble as he struggled to find answers against Opelka’s relentless game. Known for his ability to adapt mid-match, Djokovic found himself caught off guard by Opelka’s mix of precision serving and unexpected aggression from the back of the court.
