Novak Djokovic crashes out in Brisbane while Aryna Sabalenka eases through
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Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat to Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday while the women’s No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, cruised into the semi-finals with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova.
![[Reilly Opelka celebrates after beating Novak Djokovic]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/20ecbb918b5d9b3116357ce5b24fb0169c9a912b/277_260_6288_3774/master/6288.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Djokovic was punished for a flat, impotent performance as he struggled to impose himself against an excellent Opelka. The defeat marks another missed opportunity for Djokovic as he pursues a milestone 100th title. He will now head to Melbourne to finalise preparations for the Australian Open, a much greater priority, where he will meet up with Andy Murray for their first tournament together.
Opelka, meanwhile, was inspired from the beginning of the match and held his composure in the final moments as he served out to love for the biggest win of his career. Opelka stands at 6ft 11ins and the American boasts one of the biggest serves in the world, which he used brilliantly, firing 16 aces and facing only one break point throughout.
“He’s the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen,” said Opelka. “It’s difficult being in that position. He can scout me and the other opponents all day long. The reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever so you end up playing more free and you end up going and taking a lot more risks because it’s your only chance. If you play your normal level or even above your level, he’s going to win every time. It’s tough in his position because he gets guys who are good players that roll the dice. On a day like this when all the things go my way, that’s how it works out.”.
