Novak Djokovic sends seven-word message after shock loss as Reilly Opelka’s net comments revealed

Ewan West 03 Jan 2025 3:59 PM

Novak Djokovic looks on during his loss in Brisbane

Novak Djokovic sent a warm seven-word message to Reilly Opelka after his surprise defeat to the American at the 2025 Brisbane International.

The legendary Serb’s preparations for the Australian Open suffered a blow as he fell to a 6-7(6), 3-6 loss to Opelka in the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in what was the pair’s first encounter.

Djokovic lost a close first set on a tiebreak before Opelka decisively earned the only break of the match in the second set en route to the biggest victory of his career.

Opelka is currently ranked 293rd in the world having made his second comeback from wrist surgery in July 2024, and he is competing in Brisbane using a protected ranking.

The huge-serving 27-year-old American, who reached a career-high ranking of world No 17 in February 2022, is yet to drop a set after his three wins en route to the semi-finals. He will meet Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, another outstanding server, in the last four.

Following the match, Djokovic took to Instagram to praise Opelka and wish him well.

“Amazing tennis, Reilly. Absolutely deserved. Good luck,” the world No 7 wrote.

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During an exchange at the net as the pair shook hands, Opelka told Djokovic: “I was rooting for you so hard when I was out [due to injury]. Asking myself, ‘What would Novak do?'”

The American elaborated on being inspired by Djokovic during his lengthy injury-enforced absence from the tour in his post-match interview.

“I watched Novak become the greatest and through that two-year period off, you find yourself asking things like, ‘What would Novak be doing in my situation?’ Even when you’re in a sleeve, you’re always trying to maximize and that’s the effect he’s had on the sport,” Opelka explained.

“I stayed the course when I was in a cast and on crutches, and was just hoping to have another chance out here like tonight.”

Opelka also described the 24-time Grand Slam champion as the greatest player of all time.

“He’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen. It’s difficult being in his position,” Opelka added. “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.”