America’s Reilly Opelka bagged one of the biggest wins of his career when he stunned former World No. 1 and top seed Novak Djokovic by 7-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of Brisbane Open on Friday.
The American, who is making a comeback after an injury, was delighted he was able to find the right spots on the court. The lanky player smashed 16 aces and won 87% of his second-serve points and brought his game to the court against the Serbian.
“I just focused on hitting my spots,” Opelka said when talking about the pressure of serving out against Djokovic. “If I hit my spots, it is hard to get it back, but if anyone can, it is him. I was ready for that if it happened.
“He is the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen. It is difficult being in Novak’s position because he can scout me all day long but the reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him, he is the greatest player ever. So you end up playing more free and take more risk. If you play your normal level or even a little above your normal level he will win.”
Opelka has been out of action for almost two years due to injury woes and has slipped to 293 place in the PIF ATP Rankings.
“It has been tough,” Opelka said about his injury issues. “A lot of doubt. I watched Taylor, Tommy, Frances, Ben on TV do great and that was fun and motivating. It kept me motivated in the sport. I watched Novak become the greatest in my two-year period off. You ask yourself what would Novak be doing in my position. That is the impact he has had on the sport. I stayed the course when I was on crutches and just hoped I would have another chance out here like I had tonight.”
In the final against Opelka had to withdraw against Jiri Lehecka.
