Reilly Opelka makes his feelings known after shocking Novak Djokovic at Brisbane International

Reilly Opelka wore his heart on his sleeve after ousting Novak Djokovic from the 2025 Brisbane International. Despite his World No. 293 ranking, Opelka was dominant on serve and also troubled Djokovic throughout the contest with his powerful and accurate forehands. The American deservedly won the quarterfinal encounter 7-6 (6), 6-3.

During his post-match on-court interview, Opelka was asked about how he managed to maintain his excellence while serving to Djokovic, who is the best returner in tennis history, according to statistics. The former World No. 17 hailed the Serb before revealing, what according to him, is the only way for players to come out on top against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

"He’s the greatest player the sport has ever seen. It’s difficult being in his position. 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," Reilly Opelka said via Tennis Letter.

The Brisbane quarterfinal was the maiden encounter between Djokovic and Opelka on the ATP Tour. Up next for the resurgent American is Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the semifinals.

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Reilly Opelka to lock horns with Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard for place in Brisbane International 2025 final

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Reilly Opelka will meet in the Brisbane Open semifinals (Image via Getty)

In a contest that is set to pit two players with devastating serves against each other, Reilly Opelka and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard will play out one of the two 2025 Brisbane International men's singles semifinals. Opelka hasn't lost a set so far at the tournament, while Mpetshi Perricard has dropped just one.

While Opelka has so far downed Federico Agustin Gomez, Matteo Arnaldi, and most recently Novak Djokovic, Mpetshi Perricard has won against Nick Kyrgios, Frances Tiafoe, and Jakub Mensik. The Brisbane semifinal will mark the maiden ATP Tour-level meeting between the two.

The Frenchman, currently ranked 31 in the world, had a breakthrough year in 2024, winning his first two ATP Tour level titles, first at the Lyon Open and then at the Swiss Indoors Basel.

The winner of the match between Opelka and Mpetshi Perricard will go on to face either Grigor Dimitrov or Jiri Lehecka in the final. Dimitrov is the defending champion at the tournament, having won the previous edition after defeating Holger Rune in the final.