Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat to Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday while the women’s No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, cruised into the semi-finals with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova.
Djokovic was punished for a flat, impotent performance as he struggled to impose himself against an excellent Opelka. The defeat marks another missed opportunity for Djokovic as he pursues a milestone 100th title. He will now head to Melbourne to complete preparations for the Australian Open, a much greater priority, where he will meet up with Andy Murray for their first tournament together.
