Novak Djokovic’s hunt for a landmark one hundredth ATP title ended with a whimper following an sudden 7-6(6), 6-3 defeat by big-serving American Reilly Opelka within the Brisbane Worldwide quarterfinals on Friday.
Defeat was an enormous blow for the Serb, who will bid to hitch Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) as gamers who’ve received a minimum of 100 titles when he heads to the Australian Open, the place he will even search a twenty fifth Grand Slam trophy.
Djokovic saved three breakpoints in stifling situations to go 5-4 up however misplaced the opening set in a troublesome tiebreak as Opelka cranked up his serve and seized early management of his maiden tour assembly towards the 37-year-old.
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Opelka broke for a 3-1 lead within the subsequent as Djokovic seemed rattled by the 6ft 11 in (211 cm) American, who pulled off some spectacular winners on each flanks.
The ultimate blow got here on Opelka’s serve and the 27-year-old fittingly completed the match with a strong ace.
Up subsequent for Opelka is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in what guarantees to be an explosive battle after the Frenchman despatched down 19 aces in his 7-5, 7-6(5) win over Czech Jakub Mensik to take his event tally to 75.
Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov went by means of after Jordan Thompson retired whereas trailing 6-4 2-1, whereas Jiri Lehecka made fast work of Nicolas Jarry, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory.