"He can give him a lot of fits" - Opelka believes Brooksby can defeat Djokovic

American Jenson Brooksby will be playing in the biggest match of his career when he takes on Novak Djokovic in their US Open fourth round clash, and compatriot Reilly Opelka believes the 20-year old will be a tough opponent for the Serbian.

“I’m curious to see his match with Djokovic,” Opelka said. “I think he can give Djokovic a lot of fits because he’s just tricky. Nakashima is as pure of a ball-striker as there is. I think the young guys are going to be the guys to beat from the American standpoint.”

The towering Opelka added that the younger Americans all have potential and could be destined for great things in Grand Slams in the future.

“I mean, I think it’s just one week,” added Opelka. “I think Brooksby is going to be a big second-week guy. {Brandon} Nakashima . I think {Sebastian} Korda. I think the young guys are better than us, if I’m being honest. I think Korda is a hell of a player. Brooksby is brutal.”

Opelka defeated Nikoloz Basilashvili to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, and will face unseeded South African Lloyd Harris for a spot in the US Open quarterfinals.