In an unexpected turn of events at the Brisbane International, tennis fans witnessed a stunning upset as Novak Djokovic, a seasoned champion chasing his 100th career title, was defeated by the towering Reilly Opelka. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive form, cruising into the semifinals with ease.
The match that ended in a 7-6 (6), 6-3 loss for Djokovic, showcased a rare flat performance from the 21-time Grand Slam winner. Opelka, standing at 6ft 11in, leveraged his powerful serve to great effect, firing 16 aces and only facing a single break point throughout the game. This victory marks the most significant win of Opelka’s career, coming at a time when he has been trying to regain his form after a series of injuries and surgeries.
Reflecting on his victory, Opelka expressed immense respect for Djokovic, stating, “He’s the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen. It’s difficult being in that position. He can scout me and the other opponents all day long. The reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him.” This win is not just a triumph but a notable resurgence for Opelka, who is currently ranked No. 293 and entered the tournament with a protected ranking.
Sabalenka’s Smooth Sailing
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka displayed her championship mettle by advancing smoothly with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova. Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, is on a formidable winning streak, having triumphed in 26 of her last 27 matches on Australian soil. This impressive record includes back-to-back Australian Open titles, highlighting her dominance in the region.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka faces a challenging encounter in the semifinals against the rising star Mirra Andreeva. Andreeva, only 17, has shown her capability by defeating seasoned players and is set to test Sabalenka’s resilience. Sabalenka noted the quality of their previous encounters, stating, “We had great battles in the past and I always have great battles against her. She’s an aggressive player, serving well, moving well, hitting the ball quite clean.”
Looking Ahead
As the Brisbane International continues to unfold, the results set a dramatic tone for the upcoming Australian Open. Djokovic will aim to regroup as he heads to Melbourne, hoping to reclaim his best form ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year. Meanwhile, Sabalenka appears poised to defend her title, building on her momentum and formidable performance record in Australia.
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