Happy New Year, and welcome, tennis fans! Diving right into the action in 2024, the ATP Brisbane already serves up fireworks. On tap in the quarterfinals, a scintillating battle will set the legendary Novak Djokovic up against towering American Reilly Opelka, with both having been razor-sharp in their respective ways this week. However, only one will be able to march into the semifinals. That makes for a fascinating matchup, pitting Djokovic's surgical precision against the thunderous serves of Opelka-a contrast in styles if there ever was one. Let's break it all down.
Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below. Who do you think will reign supreme?
Claim Your Welcome BonusNovak Djokovic
Serbian maestro Novak Djokovic, the current World No. 7, keeps on bashing and defying time and the expectations of many. The Serb has had an okay start to 2024, defeating Rinky Hijikata and Gael Monfils in straight sets. He was clinical against Monfils in the Round of 16 as he converted three break points and saved all that came his way.
But what has become peculiar to Djokovic in recent times is his ability to turn during a match and make any supposed opponent's strength a weakness. With 65% first-serve accuracy and a perfect 100% break-point save rate coming into this match, Djokovic is showing form typical of the most dreaded competitor on tour. Especially his return game will be significant in this encounter against booming serves from Opelka.
Reilly Opelka
Standing at 6'11", Reilly Opelka's game is centered around one giant weapon: his serve. The American, ranked 293 in the world, proved a nightmare in Brisbane as he made his way through some dicey matches against Federico Agustin Gomez and Matteo Arnaldi, greatly helped by his 25-ace barrage in the Round of 16.
Yet, Opelka's game is not without its flaws. While a 67% first-serve percentage is respectable, his return game leaves a lot to be desired. Converting just 14% of first-serve return points against Arnaldi, Opelka will have to lift if he is to give Djokovic any sort of headache. Furthermore, six double faults and one converted break point in the match underlined some weaknesses that could be exploited by Djokovic.
Expert Betting Tips
Everything boils down to how Djokovic would manage to nullify Opelka's serve. His return game probably happens to be the best in tennis history, and the manner in which he anticipates, then absorbs the pace makes for a clear advantage. But on the condition that Opelka can serve at the ultra-high level, reduce unforced errors, it becomes close.
The huge difference-maker is going to be that in extended rallies, Novak will have a monumental advantage. Opelka lacks movement and consistency from the baseline compared to the Serb, and Djokovic will test that often, trying to extend their exchanges. Mixing in drop shots and angles will keep the big man off balance.
Djokovic's mental toughness is the stuff of legends, and he mostly comes into his own during clutch moments. At times, Opelka has crumbled under pressure, especially in tight tiebreaks. If this does become a contest decided by small margins, the composure of Djokovic might make the difference.
- Novak Djokovic (-4.5) Games Handicap @ 1.81 Odds
- Exact Sets 2 @ 1.25 Odds
- Novak Djokovic Wins 2-0 @ 1.30 Odds
Other predictions
