Novak will not play in this year’s Brisbane International semi-finals as Reilly Opelka sealed one of the biggest victories of his career, edging past the Serb 7-6 (6), 6-3.
The big-serving American powered into the last four of the ATP 250 event on Friday in one hour and 40 minutes. He won 83 per cent of first serves and did not face a break point.
After taking the first set in a tie-break, Opelka broke Djokovic’s serve in the fourth game of the second set and remained rock-solid on his own delivery to advance.
It was the pair’s first ATP H2H meeting.
Match statistics: aces (8-16), double faults (1-1), winners (15-35), unforced errors (15-30), total points won (63-74).
Novak will next head to Melbourne, where he will chase a record-extending 11th Australian Open crown and 25th major.
Photo: Profimedia
