Former world number one Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open preparations hit a snag as he was defeated by American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International tournament. Opelka, standing at an impressive 2.11 meters, outplayed Djokovic with his powerful serves and precise returns, winning the match in straight sets. Despite Djokovic’s confidence in his abilities at the age of 37, Opelka, who had previously been sidelined due to injuries, showed his dominance on the court. Opelka’s strong serve, which included 16 aces, proved to be a challenge for Djokovic, who only managed to secure one break point throughout the match.
Reflecting on his victory over Djokovic, Opelka acknowledged the Serb’s greatness as a player but emphasized the freedom and risk-taking attitude needed to compete against top players like Djokovic. Opelka’s next opponent in the semi-finals is French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, known for his powerful serving game. On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Marie Bouzkova in straight sets. Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open winner, will face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, who overcame former world number two Ons Jabeur in a high-quality match.
In the men’s semi-finals, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov is set to take on Czech player Jiri Lehecka, promising an exciting matchup between the two talented players. The Brisbane International tournament has showcased some intense battles on the court, with players like Opelka and Sabalenka demonstrating their skills and determination to succeed. The upcoming matches in the tournament will determine the finalists who will compete for the title. As the Australian Open approaches, players are putting their best foot forward to make a mark in the tennis world and set the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
