“What would Novak be doing in my situation?”: Reilly Opeka reflect’s on Djokovic’s influence after epic victory
ATP
Reilly Opelka delivered the upset of the week by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 Brisbane International by 7-6(6), 6-3. The American had been out of action for nearly two years due to injuries, during which he underwent three surgeries.
The 27-year-old even considered retirement, as he revealed in 2024, but ultimately regained the motivation to return to top-level competition. Opelka made his comeback in mid-2024, playing a handful of tournaments and finishing the year with a 7-8 record, ranked World No. 293.
From retirement thoughts to defeating Djokovic
Starting the new season, Opelka achieved one of the biggest victories of his career, defeating Djokovic in their first-ever encounter. His previous win against a top-10 player came at the Canadian Open in 2021, where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Following his victory over the former World No. 1, Opelka spoke about his time away from the courts and how he stayed connected to tennis by watching his American friends:
“It was tough. A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt,” the former World No. 17 said. “I definitely watched a lot of my friends on TV. I watched Tommy (Paul), Taylor (Fritz), Frances (Tiafoe), and Ben (Shelton) do great, which was fun and also motivating for me.”
“It definitely kept me interested in the sport. I watched Novak become the greatest in that two-year period,” he added during his on-court interview. “You find yourself asking, ‘What would Novak be doing in my situation?’
“Even when you’re in a cast, you’re always trying to maximize, and that’s the effect he’s had on the sport. That’s why you see a guy like Jannik (Sinner), who reminds you of someone else 10 years ago, and Carlos (Alcaraz),” Opelka remarked. “I stayed the course, even when in a cast and on crutches, just hoping to have another chance like I did out here tonight.”
Opelka will face Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the semifinals. Throughout his career, the American has been known as one of the toughest players to break when serving. This week, he has already hit 50 aces in three matches. However, Mpetshi Perricard has proven to be an equally formidable server, racking up 75 aces in his three matches in Brisbane.
"You ask yourself - what would Novak be doing in my situation?"
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 3, 2025
Reilly Opelka took inspiration from opponent Djokovic during his lengthy injury layout 💪 pic.twitter.com/MEHjYeaOhL
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
