Novak Djokovic vs Reilly Opelka Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Big-serving Opelka can cover in Brisbane quarter-finals

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Thu 02 Jan 2025 22:55

Andrew Hendrie 02 Jan 2025

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Novak Djokovic vs Reilly Opelka predictions for Friday's ATP Brisbane quarter-final
This will be the first meeting between the pair
Opelka has only faced two break points in his two Brisbane matches this week
The match is scheduled to start around 9.00pm AEDT on Friday January 3

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Novak Djokovic (Photo by Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic vs Reilly Opelka Tips, Prediction & Live Stream

Novak Djokovic continues his quest for a 100th career title when he meets Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarter-finals on Friday night.

Novak Djokovic vs Reilly Opelka Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Head To Head
Novak Djokovic Form
Reilly Opelka Form
Live Stream

Djokovic hasn't dropped a set on his way to the quarter-finals, but this will prove a different kind of test, with the giant-serving Opelka back to playing some good tennis after a long injury layoff.

Head To Head

This will be the first meeting between the pair.

Novak Djokovic Form

It was a lean season in 2024 by Djokovic's incredibly high standards, but nevertheless, the Serbian achieved exactly what he wanted - and that was securing Olympic Gold in Paris.

While he would have been disappointed at not winning a 25th Grand Slam title, Djokovic specifically targeted the Olympics and he raised his level when it mattered most to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Djokovic is now looking to recapture his best level for the Australian Open later this month, hiring Andy Murray as his new coach, with the Scot set to arrive down under next week.

For now, Djokovic is aiming to capture his 100th career title in Brisbane - he's been untroubled so far, easing past Rinky Hijikata 6-3 6-3 before improving his H2H over Gael Monfils to a staggering 20-0, defeating the Frenchman by the same scoreline in the second round on Thursday night.

Reilly Opelka Form

Opelka entered the Brisbane main draw with a protected ranking after he missed the better part of the last two years following surgeries on his hip and wrist.

The American considered retirement at one point, but he returned in July last year, making the semi-finals of Newport in his first tournament back.

Opelka struggled for the remainder of 2024, but he's looking strong after a good off-season and has impressed in his two Brisbane matches this week.

The former World No. 17 took out qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez 7-5 6-4 in the opening round before taking the scalp of Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 7-6 to reach the quarter-finals.

Live Stream

Watch and bet on Novak Djokovic vs Reilly Opelka live tennis from Brisbane.

You can watch and bet on the match live at bet365 > Tennis > ATP Brisbane with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Novak Djokovic v Reilly Opelka

Would be a massive shock if Djokovic lost this match, but I think the line here for Opelka at +4.5 is too big.

Opelka is serving out of a tree and even a 4-6 4-6 defeat would see him cover the games line. While Djokovic is the best returner of all time, even he will find it tough to break Opelka more than twice and it might even take a couple of tiebreaks for him to come out on top.