Brisbane International: Djokovic falls to Opelka in quarterfinals
The HinduNovak Djokovic’s hunt for a landmark 100th ATP title ended with a whimper following an unexpected 7-6, 6-3 defeat by big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarterfinals on Friday. Defeat was a huge blow for the Serb, who will bid to join Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as players who have won at least 100 titles when he heads to the Australian Open, where he will Djokovic saved three breakpoints in stifling conditions to go 5-4 up but lost the opening set in a tough tiebreak as Opelka cranked up his serve and seized early control of his maiden tour meeting against the 37-year-old. READ | Brisbane International: Sabalenka sets up semifinal against Russian teen Andreeva Opelka broke for a 3-1 lead in the next as Djokovic looked rattled by the 6ft 11 in American, who pulled off some spectacular winners on both flanks. Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov went through after Jordan Thompson retired while trailing 6-4 2-1, while Jiri Lehecka made quick work of Nicolas Jarry, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory.