Heavy blow for Novak Djokovic in Brisbane. The Serbian resurrected old ghosts and was eliminated in shocking fashion in the quarterfinals after surpassing American Reilly Opelka (7-6(6), 6-3).
The winner of 24 Grand Slam titles did not feel comfortable at any time on court against a ‘gunner’ who was unstoppable on serve and did not give him a rhythm at any time.
The loss is a major blow for the Serbian, who will try to join Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) as players who have won at least 100 titles when he goes to the Australian Open, where he will also seek his 25th Grand Slam Trophy.
Djokovic saved three break points in difficult conditions to go up 5-4, but lost the opening set in a tough tie-break where Opelka improved her serve and took control in her first tour match against the 37-year-old.
Opelka broke to go up 3-1 next, as Djokovic seemed shocked by the Americanwho hit amazing winners on both sides.
The final blow came on the serve of Opelka, who at 27 years old closed out the match with another ace.
“He’s the best player that ever existed in this sport. It’s hard to be in your position. He can watch me or other opponents all day…the truth is we don’t lose to him. “You end up playing more freely,” he declared at the foot of the American court, The transfer to the final will be played this Saturday against the Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, executioner of the Czech Jakub Mensik (7-5and 7-6(5)).
The other semifinal will face Czech Jiri Leheckawho defeated the Chilean Nicolás Jarry by doubles 6-4, in an hour and a half, and the current winner, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrovsecond seed, who improved thanks to the withdrawal of Australian Jordan Thompson due to a right calf injury when he lost 6-1 and 2-1.
In the women’s box, Aryna Sabalenka became the world number one and defeated Czech Marie Bouzkova with authority (6-3 and 6-4) to reach the semifinals and meet Russian Mirra Andreeva, whom she defeated at Roland Garros.
The player from Minsk, who has won three Grand Slams in her career, took one hour and 46 minutes to seal her victory over Bouzkova. Now Mirra Andreeva awaits her after she defeated Tunisian Ons Jabeur (6-4 and 7-6(2)) with two set points in the second set. However, Conchita Martínez’s student was able to close out the victory in two sets and reach the semifinals.
On the other side of the picture, the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina defeated Australian Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-1 and 7-5 She will face Russian Polina Kudermetova who defeated American Ashlyn Krueger USA 7-6(5) and 6-3.
Source: La Verdad
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