Novak Djokovic’s bid for his 100th tour-level title will have to wait after he was knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International by Reilly Opeka.
The 27-year-old American triumphed 7-6 (6) 6-3 in one hour and 40 minutes to bring a spectacular end to two years of injury misery that saw his world ranking plunge to 293.
Djokovic will now head to Melbourne where he will link up with his new coach Andy Murray ahead of his quest for a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown.
Opelka said in a post-match interview: “He (Djokovic) is the greatest tennis player the world has ever seen.
“It is difficult being in Novak’s position because he can scout me all day long but the reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him. So you end up playing more free and taking more risks.”
Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the last four after the big-serving Frenchman overcame Jakub Mensik 7-5 7-6 (5). In the second semi-final, second seed Grigor Dimitrov will play Jiri Lehecka.
