Reilly Opelka created the biggest upset at the Brisbane International on Friday (January 3) when he knocked out first seed Novak Djokovic. Inside the Pat Rafter Arena, the big-serving American denied the Serb his 100th tour-level title with a 7-6(6), 6-3 victory in the quarterfinals which was also their first meeting on the tour.

The 27-year-old, with his one-hour, 40-minute victory, will be meeting another big server, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, in the semifinals, which will also be his first match in the last four since 2023. After clinching one of the biggest wins, Opelka revealed the strategy that helped him secure a berth in the semifinals.

Had Djokovic beaten the 6’11” Opelka and the rest of the opponents to clinch his first Brisbane International title, he would’ve become just the third man to win 100 ATP trophies after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

Reilly Opelka secured his first Top 10 win since 2021 when he beat Novak Djokovic as he was sidelined for almost two years because of hip and wrist injuries. After upsetting the 24-time Grand Slam champion following his comeback, Opelka said he wants to play his best tennis at the Australian Open.

While Opelka will be locking horns with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Djokovic will be reflecting on his defeat to prepare for the Australian Open where he will be chasing his record 25th Grand Slam title. Last year in Melbourne, eventual winner Jannik Sinner upset him in the semifinals.