Novak Djokovic beats Reilly Opelka in Brisbane International quarterfinals

BRISBANE, Australia — Novak Djokovic lost to Reilly Opelka 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

The 37-year-old Djokovic was playing his first tournament of the year. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is gearing up for the Australian Open, which starts on January 12 and which he has won 10 times.

“Amazing tennis, Riley. Well deserved,” Djokovic wrote on Instagram.

Opelka served 16 aces — including one to end each set — to earn one of the biggest wins of the American’s career.

“I was just focusing on my scars,” Opelka said. “If I hit them, it’s hard to get them back. If there is someone who can.

“We have nothing to lose against him. He is the greatest player of all time,” Opelka added. “So you play more freely and you take a lot more risks. If you play at your normal level or even above a normal level, he will win every time. So it’s tough at his position because he gets guys who are good players that roll the dice. And that’s how it works on a day when so much goes my way.”

New coach Andy Murray will join Djokovic in Melbourne.

Opelka reached a career-high ranking of No. 17 in February 2022 before undergoing hip surgery later that year to remove a benign tumor. He is now No. 293.

“It was difficult. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt,” Opelka said.

In the semi-finals, Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetschi Pericard, who defeated Jakub Mencic 7-5, 7-6 (5). Jiri Lehka will play against Grigor Dimitrov in the other semi-final.

Dimitrov advanced 6-1, 2-1 when Leheka defeated Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 6-4 and Jordan Thompson retired.