Opelka stuns Djokovic, units up Brisbane SF in opposition to Mpetshi Perricard

Reilly Opelka is again with a vengeance.

Persevering with his comeback from a two-year absence, Opelka shocked Novak Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-3 within the quarterfinals of the Brisbane Worldwide on Friday night. The American struck 16 aces, served at 77 %, received 13 of 15 second-serve factors, double-faulted solely as soon as, and saved the lone break level he confronted. He superior in a single hour and 40 minutes.

“He’s the best tennis participant the game has ever seen,” Opelka praised of Djokovic. “It’s tough being in Novak’s place as a result of he can scout me all day lengthy, however the actuality is we have now nothing to lose coming in in opposition to him. So you find yourself taking part in extra free and take extra danger. For those who play your regular stage or perhaps a little above your regular stage, he’ll win.

“I simply centered on hitting my spots. If I hit my spots, it’s laborious to get it again, but when anybody can, it’s him. I used to be prepared for that if it occurred.”

The 27-year-old missed principally all the 2022 and 2023 seasons–taking part in just one match in 23 months. He returned final season with a few first rate outcomes, together with a semifinal efficiency on the grass courts of Newport.

Subsequent up for Opelka within the Brisbane semifinals is a big-serving matchup with an in-form Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The reigning Basel champion has superior this week by beating Nick Kyrgios, Frances Tiafoe, and Jakub Mensik.

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and in addition maintains his personal tennis web site, The Grandstand. You possibly can comply with him on Twitter at @Dimonator.