Fit-again American giant Reilly Opelka has stopped Novak Djokovic in his tracks in Brisbane to ensure the Serb's wait for a 100th ATP title goes on.
On the comeback from long-term hip and wrist injuries, the bearded 211cm Opelka won 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 on Friday night to book a semi-final against fellow big-server Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Saturday.
Djokovic, whose only 2024 title came at the Paris Olympics, opted for a rare appearance at the Brisbane International before attempting to win a record 25th grand slam title - and 11th Australian Open - in Melbourne later this month.
It was all going splendidly until Opelka began sending down rockets, the former world No.17 then finding range on his whipping forehand and huge backhand to win in 101 minutes.
It ended Djokovic's winning streak against Americans, dating back nine years, at 34 matches.
Djokovic was unable to get any traction on Opelka's serve, instead forced to save three break points on his own and then rally from 4-2 down in the tiebreak.
But Opelka didn't waver, sealing the 58-minute first set with an ace as Djokovic, who wasn't playing poorly, became agitated.
Two venomous backhand winners then handed the 27-year-old a service break in the second set and Djokovic had few chances to redeem himself as Opelka, a winner of seven ATP titles, closed out arguably the biggest win of his career.
"He's the greatest tennis player the sport's ever seen," Opelka said after the pair shared a moment at the net.
"He can scout me or his opponent all day long but the reality is you have nothing to lose coming against him.
"You play more freely, take more risks because it's your only chance because if you play, even above your normal level, he's going to win every time.
"He gets guys that roll the dice and on days like this when things go my way that's how it works out."
Opelka returned midway through last year having managed just one match in the previous two years due to hip and multiple wrist surgeries.
"A lot of uncertainty, a lot of doubt. I watched a lot of my friends on TV do great.
"That was fun and motivating for me, kept me interested in the sport.
"I watched Novak become the greatest in that two-year period and you find yourself asking ,'what would Novak do in this situation?'
"That's the effect he's had on the sport.
"I stayed the course even when I was in a cast and on crutches just hoping I'd have another chance like out here tonight."
But Opelka, with the Australian Open in mind, is not getting ahead of himself.
"Melbourne ... the big show's in a week," he said.
"This is just a step along the way. I'm excited but it's kind of the beginning of a new start for me."
