"Novak Djokovic should retire and avoid Rafael Nadal route" - Fans react to Serb's shocking Brisbane exit to Reilly Opelka

Novak Djokovic suffered a shock exit from the 2025 Brisbane International after losing to Reilly Opelka in the quarterfinals of the combined ATP 250 and WTA 500 event on Friday, January 3. Djokovic, the first seed in Brisbane and the World No. 7, was the favorite on paper to win against the unseeded Opelka, currently the 293rd-ranked ATP singles player. However, the American staged a 7-6(6), 6-3 upset, prompting reactions from fans.

Against the former World No. 1, Opelka wasn't only brilliant with his serve, producing 16 aces, but also with his ferocious forehands, which kept the Serb under pressure throughout the contest.

Furthermore, the American created five break point opportunities and converted one of them. Meanwhile, the Serb squandered the sole break point chance he engineered.

Several fans on X (formerly Twitter) opined that 37-year-old Novak Djokovic doesn't look capable of beating his younger rivals and winning his 25th Major title judging by his erratic performance against Reilly Opelka.

Some even urged Djokovic to call time on his illustrious career, with one suggesting that the Serb should avoid going down great rival Rafael Nadal's route. Nadal retired at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals after failing to produce his best tennis across several tournaments.

"Novak should just retire this season and avoid the Rafa route for his own legacy," a fan wrote.

"Novak will never win a grand slam again," another fan commented.

"I know these kind of matches don't paint the full picture if player will be good or bad at Grand Slams, it's just a warm-up, but I just can't see Nole going further than 1/4 finals at AO, especially being ranked lower than usual," one stated.

"Damn. If Novak can't even break Opelka, how does he expect to break Sinner who he struggles to even create a break point against. Incredible," another chimed in.

There were others who poked fun at the Serb over his collaboration with Andy Murray. Djokovic announced in late 2024 that former rival Murray would be coaching him with the 2025 Australian Open in mind. However, the Brit wasn't in the 24-time Grand Slam champion's box in Brisbane and had instead gone on a skiing trip.

"Uh oh, Andy Murray is going to be on the receiving end of some serious heat from Novak Djokovic," wrote one fan.

"Get Murray as a coach get Murray results," another added.

Ahead of the 2025 Brisbane International, the Serb had spoken up about how much longer he sees himself playing.

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Novak Djokovic on feeling like going "strong for years to come"

Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

2024 turned out to be a barren year for Novak Djokovic, as the Serb failed to win an ATP Tour-level title. His sole success came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he clinched his maiden men's singles gold medal.

He faced inevitable questions throughout the year revolving around his thoughts on retirement. There were instances where the Serb expressed uncertainty over his future in tennis.

However, at a pre-conference press tournament in the buildup to the 2025 Brisbane International, the 24-time Major winner said that he feels as if he can compete with the best for a few more years.

"The way I'm feeling today, I still think that I can go strong for years to come. But how long I'm going to feel motivated to keep going is unpredictable. I still love this sport and I still love competing," the former No. 1 said.

The Serb had also participated in the men's doubles category in Brisbane alongside Nick Kyrgios. While the duo put on quite the show in their first-round match, they were eventually bundled out in the second round.