Who is Reilly Opelka, the American ‘resurrects’ and beats Djokovic

Reilly Opelka delivers tennis’ first surprise of 2025. The 27 year old American, number 293 in the ATP rankingin the quarter-finals of the Brisbane tournament he eliminates Novak Djokovic. The 37-year-old Serbian, number 1 on the scoreboard, surrenders in 2 sets: the American wins 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 and in the semi-final he will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Opelka, world number 17 in 2022, raises his head after 2 seasons affected by an avalanche of physical problems. In 2023 he failed to set foot on the field. Last season, he finished with a record of 7 wins and 8 losses. 2025 could become the year of redemption for the Yankee, who boasts 4 titles in his career. “I just focused on my shots,” said Opelka, who served 83 percent of his first balls and hit 21 winners.

“If there’s anyone who can answer that, it’s Djokovic. He’s the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen. When you play against Novak, you have nothing to lose: there’s nothing to lose against the greatest player ever So you play without conditioning, you can take more risks,” he adds.