Tennis-Djokovic falls to inspired Opelka in Brisbane quarter-finals

Tennis - Exhibition - Juan Martin del Potro v Novak Djokovic - Estadio Mary Teran de Weiss, Buenos Aires, Argentina - December 1, 2024 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during an exhibition match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File Photo

BRISBANE (Reuters) -Novak Djokovic's hunt for a landmark 100th ATP title ended with a whimper following an unexpected 7-6(6) 6-3 defeat by big-serving American Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarter-finals on Friday.

Defeat was a huge blow for the Serb, who will bid to join Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) as players who have won at least 100 titles when he heads to the Australian Open, where he will also seek a 25th Grand Slam trophy.