The 2025 season has got off to an eventful start. Having already defeated Rinky Hijikata and Gael Monfils this week in Brisbane, Novak Djokovic aimed to join an elite club by capturing his 100th tour-level title. Only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have achieved this milestone. However, Reilly Opelka caused a massive upset by defeating the top seed Djokovic in straight sets 7-6 (6), 6-3 in the QFs. In what has been a glorious comeback for the American star, retired Australian legend, John Millman made a bold prediction for the 2025 season.

While Djokovic featured in most of the big tournaments last year, Opelka had to miss a major part of the 2024 season due to injuries. Back in 2023, he underwent wrist surgery, but his injury went from bad to worse as things became complicated. After being out for months, Opelka finally made a comeback in July last year. However, his massive win over Djokovic led to an interesting revelation from Millman.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Millman wrote, “Reilly Opelka operating at such a high level. Great seeing him back playing like this after such a long lay off. Year of the comeback from injury? Kyrgios, Opelka, Nishikori?” 

While it has been a comeback of sorts for Opelka, the likes of Kyrgios and Nishikori are also returning to the tennis fold after being away for years due to their respective injuries. Nishikori had suffered a hip injury, while Kyrgios had knee and wrist problems, which kept the duo away from the action for years.

Opelka ended his 2-year absence from tennis in Newport last year. However, he had encountered retirement thoughts during his time away from the court. After making a winning return last year, he said,

“Just being out there, that was the best part. There was a moment where I wasn’t sure if that would happen again. I totally definitely did (think of retiring). I was ready to pivot. I’m pretty confident I’ll land on my feet. I’ve always landed on my feet in whatever I did. I think I’m good at making best of situations, and for me, I was ready to pivot.”

Nonetheless, Opelka admitted that it has been tough to return to the sport. However, he was motivated by the likes of Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz to come back stronger.

Reilly Opelka credits his compatriots after a successful comeback

While Opelka was elated with his efforts, he turned emotional after the match, remembering his days away from the sport due to injuries. During the post-match interview, he heaped praise on his compatriots for motivating him.

Opelka mentioned, “It was very tough. There was a lot of uncertainty and many doubts. I watched a lot of my friends’ matches on TV, I saw Tommy (Paul), Taylor (Fritz), Frances (Tiafoe), Ben (Shelton) doing great, which motivated me a lot. It kept me interested in this sport. I also saw Novak become the best of all time in the past two years. I stayed mentally strong, even when I was in a cast and on crutches, simply hopeful of having another opportunity like the one I had tonight.”

The 27-year-old, who is 8-12 against Top 10 players, will continue the quest for his fifth tour-level trophy against fellow big server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Saturday. As for Djokovic, he will now shift his focus to the Australian Open, where he seeks a record-extending 11th championship and his 25th Grand Slam title. Former rival Andy Murray is set to join Djokovic at Melbourne Park as his coach.