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

Serbian legend Novak Djokovic suffered a crushing defeat against Reilly Opelka by 6-7, 3-6 in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International 2025. This loss was a big setback and extremely shocking after the Serbian legend fell into a trap against world number 293.

In an emotional revelation, Novak Djokovic shared his joys and challenges of balancing professional tennis with family life, particularly as he embarks on a significant milestone at the forthcoming 2025 Australian Open, slated to take place on January 12 onwards in Melbourne. For the first time, Djokovic's wife, Jelena, and their two children, Stefan and Tara, have joined him in Australia, marking a heartfelt moment for the Serbian legend.

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However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed an overwhelming sense of motivation and calm, largely credited to the presence of his family during the marquee event. With a big sparkle in his eyes, the Olympic Gold Medalist spoke fondly about how his loved ones nearby enriched his experience and enhanced his performances.

As Novak Djokovic aims to bolster his preparations in the Brisbane International, the 24-time Grand Slam winner has his sights set on a more significant milestone, grabbing his 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam of his illustrious tennis career. This achievement would place him ahead of Margaret Court in the all-time Grand Slam tally, cementing his legacy further in the tennis world.

The tears that come with saying goodbye can be a lot to handle: Novak Djokovic

"My heart is full with them here. It relieves me of the guilt that tends to linger when I'm away from them for extended periods. Previous trips to Australia would often mean being separated from my family for four to five weeks, which was incredibly tough," said Novak Djokovic. 

"The tears that come with saying goodbye can be a lot to handle. Every time I left, I would find myself questioning why I had to endure that emotional strain repeatedly," he added later.