The 2025 season is just getting started, but it’s already scorching! Novak Djokovic, competing at the Brisbane International, faced a surprising turn of events in the quarter-finals. The Serbian is chasing his coveted 100th title and he seemed to be in fine form in the first few matches in Brisbane. However, Reilly Opelka put a brake to his winning streak and sent him packing from round of 8.

On Friday, Djokovic went toe-to-toe with Opelka in the first set before the American eased to a 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 victory in just one hour and 40 minutes. This upset not only stunned fans at the Queensland Tennis Centre but also shocked tennis pundits. Following the match, Brad Gilbert, the former coach of Coco Gauff, shared his thoughts on X: “Wow 1st time Djoker lost to American since 2016 @Wimbledon 3rd rd vs @SamQuerrey next up serv bot classic vs Peri Peri hot sauce.”

Brad Gilbert also commented on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s rise in this tournament after the Frenchman defeated Nick Kyrgios in the first round. He posted on X, “thinking 🤔 if Perricard plays 55-60ish matches on the season could see him breaking @JohnIsner all-time aces for a year @SharkoTennis will be very interesting what returners will adjust too.”

Perricard will now face Opelka, making it an exciting matchup given Perricard’s recent form and Opelka’s victory over Djokovic.

Coming back to Djokovic, his loss against Opelka marks the first time Djokovic has fallen to an American since Sam Querrey took him down at Wimbledon in 2016. Such losses are a rarity for the Serbian superstar, who has dominated the sport and typically performs well against the American players.

Gilbert isn’t alone in expressing caution about Djokovic’s performance. Rick Macci, Serena Williams‘ childhood coach, also weighed in on potential outcomes for Djokovic’s 2025 season with a post on X earlier this month.

Macci drops a hot take on Nole’s potential for this season

The 2024 season threw Novak Djokovic a curveball, leaving him without a major title for the first time in years. While he did shine at the Paris Olympics by winning a coveted gold medal, injuries and inconsistent play overshadowed his season.

However, for the 2025 season, Rick Macci believes Djokovic still has the potential to secure another Grand Slam, given that he can navigate the challenges of his physical health. Taking to X on January 2, he wrote, “This year will be all about one thing and one thing only for the Serbian Sniper. Staying injury free and many will WAGER the JOKER gets another MAJOR.”

Now, with the Brisbane International behind him, all eyes are on Djokovic as he gears up for the Australian Open. Last year, he suffered a surprising defeat to World No.1 Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. But this time around, he’s teaming up with former rival Andy Murray as his coach—a partnership that has had fans and insiders buzzing since its announcement in November 2024.

As Djokovic prepares for this crucial tournament, the anticipation is building. Can he overcome his fitness hurdles and reclaim his spot at the top? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!