Novak Djokovic's form struggles hit new low with loss against worst-ranking opponent since 2010

Novak Djokovic suffered the worst loss of his career in terms of his opponent's ATP ranking at the 2025 Brisbane International on Friday (January 3). The Serb went out to Reilly Opelka by a scoreline of 6-7(6), 3-6, casting a shadow of doubt over his Australian Open prospects.

Djokovic failed to make inroads on the 6'11" American's booming serve during their quarterfinal clash in Brisbane, succumbing in straight sets during their first-ever encounter. The 37-year-old's victor is ranked 293rd in the men's rankings, which means that the loss is the former World No. 1's worst loss on the pro tour since 2010.

Novak Djokovic's last loss to a player placed well outside the top 200 in the ATP rankings came in the quarterfinals of the 2010 Belgrade Open to then-World No. 319 Filip Krajinovic. The Serb, who was yet to hit his peak back then, was trailing his countryman 4-6 when he was forced to retire due to breathing problems.

While the 24-time Major winner has come a long way since then, he has still suffered his share of defeats to players with a lowly ATP ranking. His worst losses between 2010-2024 in terms of his opponents' respective singles rankings include losing to the likes of Juan Martin Del Potro (141) at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Denis Istomin (117) at the 2017 Australian Open, Martin Klizan (140) at the 2018 Barcelona Open, and Jiri Vesely (123) at the 2022 Dubai Tennis Championships.

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Novak Djokovic reveals preparations for Australian Open 2025: "Trying to understand how my game matches up against my main opponents"

Novak Djokovic hits a backhand at Brisbane

Earlier this week, Novak Djokovic told the media after his first-round win at the Brisbane International that he was leaning towards "a lot of video analysis" to understand how he would fare against his "main opponents" at the Australian Open later this month.

"Whatever it takes, however many hours it takes with the youngsters. And then, of course, you know," the 37-year-old told the media in Brisbane on Wednesday. "I think in the upcoming weeks, we will also, particularly the week before Australian Open, do a lot of video analysis of my main opponents, top guys. Trying to understand how my game matches up against theirs and what I have done in the past well, what I can improve."

The Serb, who is currently ranked 7th in the world, will be eager to win a record-breaking 25th Major title in Melbourne. He has reigned supreme at the Happy Slam a whopping 10 times during his illustrious career, making him an outside favorite for the title.