BRISBANE, (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic’s hunt for a landmark 100th ATP title ended with a whimper following an unexpected 7-6(6) 6-3 defeat by big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarter-finals yesterday.
Defeat was a huge blow for the Serb, who will bid to join Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) as players who have won at least 100 titles when he heads to the Australian Open, where he will also seek a 25th Grand Slam trophy.
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.
Opelka broke for a 3-1 lead in the next as Djokovic looked rattled by the 6ft 11 in (211 cm) American, who pulled off some spectacular winners on both flanks.
The final blow came on Opelka’s serve and the 27-year-old fittingly finished the match with a powerful ace.
