Reilly Opelka saved it straight trustworthy following his shock win over Novak Djokovic, admitting that he performed freely and did not really feel any strain as a result of he was enjoying “the best participant of all time” and did not have any expectations.
On Friday, the previous world No. 17 clinched his largest victory since getting back from wrist surgical procedure after beating the Serbian tennis star 7-6 (6) 6-3 within the Brisbane quarterfinal.
All through the match, Opelka – at present ranked at No. 293 on this planet – served exceptionally as he blasted 16 aces and did not lose his serve as soon as.
Additionally, the American was in a position to create some break level possibilities as he claimed the lone break of the match when he took Djokovic’s serve within the fourth sport of the second set.
Curiously, this was solely the primary assembly between the 2 so the 27-year-old now has a profitable document towards the document 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Opelka: Djokovic is the GOAT and I had nothing to lose so I performed freely
“I simply targeted on hitting my spots. If I hit them my spots, it’s exhausting to get it again, but when anybody can it’s him. I used to be prepared for that if it occurred,” the American mirrored.
“He’s the best tennis participant the game has ever seen. It’s troublesome being in Novak’s place as a result of he can scout me all day lengthy however the actuality is we’ve nothing to lose coming in towards him, he’s the best participant ever.
“So you find yourself enjoying extra free and take extra danger. If you happen to play your regular degree or perhaps a little above your regular degree he’ll win.”
For a spot within the Brisbane remaining, Opelka is about to battle one other big-server – Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who fired 36 aces throughout a first-round assembly versus Nick Kyrgios.
