'He can scout me...' - Reilly Opelka opens up after thwarting Novak Djokovic in quarters

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking straight-sets defeat to world number 293 Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinal thriller of the 2025 Brisbane International on January 3, Friday, losing it 7-6, 6-3. Djokovic, who is teamed up with his former rival Andy Murray as his new coach later this month, was toppled in the opening set of the game and then broken in the fourth game of the second set.

Notably, it seems that it is far from the ideal preparation for the first Grand Slam of the 2025 edition for the 24-time major champion Djokovic, the 37-year-old tennis legend appearing here in his first showpiece event since mid-October.

This seems to be one of the biggest wins for Opelka in his tennis career. The 27-year-old tennis star has won four ATP 250 tournaments and had a career-high ranking of 17 in 2022 before injury troubles kept him from playing one match over the past year.

Also Read: 'Ours is way lower.' Novak Djokovic weighs in on tennis prize money

Following the defeat, the Serbian legend took to social media and shared the story with the 27-year-old American and wished him good luck after he made it to the semifinal thriller.

On the other hand, Opelka revealed his tactical skills and the pragmatic approach he used in the game to thwart the 37-year-old tennis star.

Also Read: World no. 293 Reilly Opelka upsets Novak Djokovic in quarter-finals, Serbian legend crashes out of Brisbane International 2025

On a day like this when a lot of things go my way, that’s how it works out: Reilly Opelka

Interviewer asking Reilly Opelka about his win over Novak Djokovic:

"How did you get it done against statistically the greatest returner the sport's ever seen?"

Opelka:

"He's the greatest tennis player the sport's ever seen."pic.twitter.com/yBv6PzMZOT

— Sam Street (@samstreetwrites) January 3, 2025

“Yeah. He’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen. It’s difficult being in his position. He can scout me or other opponents all day long… the reality is we have nothing to lose against him. You end up playing more free. You take a lot more risk because if you play your normal level or even above it he’s gonna win every time. It’s tough in his position because he gets guys that roll the dice. On a day like this when a lot of things go my way, that’s how it works out," Reilly Opelka said.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic shares inside reason for surprising celebrations at 2025 Brisbane International