Top seed Novak Djokovic was stunned by America’s Reilly Opelka 6-7 (6-8), 3-6 in the men’s singles Brisbane International 2025 quarter-finals on Friday.
Chasing his 100th ATP title, the World No.7 lost a close first set while Opelka asserted his authority in the second to clinch a surprising victory.
The loss meant Djokovic will have to wait longer for his first win at the Brisbane International.
Opelka, 27, will face France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who beat Jakub Mensik 7-5 7-6 (7-5), in the semi-finals.
“(Djokovic])is the greatest tennis player ever. But it’s difficult being in his position,” said Opelka, who is ranked 293rd in the world.
“The reality is we have nothing to lose against him, so you end up playing more freely and taking a lot more risks because it’s your only chance. If you play your normal level, he wins every time.”
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka clinched a 6-3 6-4 win in the women’s singles quarter-finals against Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4.
The Belarusian top-seed will face 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who beat former World No.2 Ons Jabeur 6-4 7-6 (7-2), in the final four clash.
The Russian teenager had upset Sabalenka to become the youngest player since Martina Hingis in 1997 to reach a Grand Slam semi-final at the 2024 French Open.
“It’s always tough battles against Bouzkova and I had lost the last one [in Washington]. I came into the match really focused and I’m happy I was able to put her under pressure and finish the match in straight sets,” the 26-year-old said.
“(Andreeva) is a great player. We recently played an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi where I got to know her better. She is also a great person and I am really looking forward to playing against her.”