Reilly Opelka upsets Novak Djokovic, Australian Open odds shift

Tennis betting sites have lengthened Novak Djokovic odds of winning the 2025 Australian Open after the Serbian suffered a shock loss to Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday night.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was a $1.09 favourite to defeat world No.293 Opelka, who has just recently returned from a two-year injury layoff.

However, the American served brilliantly, took Djokovic on from the baseline, and implemented a strong net game to defuse the 37-year-old’s game and win in straight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-3.

As a result, Djokovic lengthens from $4.50 to $5 in outright betting for the Australian Open across most tennis bookmakers.

Marantelli Bet has shortened Carlos Alcaraz on the second line of betting as well, improving the Spaniard from $4.33 to $4 to lift the trophy in Melbourne.

Favourite Jannik Sinner remains at $2.50 to defend his title.

“I just focused on hitting my spots,” Opelka said after his victory over Djokovic.

“If I hit my spots, it is hard to get it back, but if anyone can, it is him.

“I was ready for that if it happened.

“He is the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen.

“It is difficult being in Novak’s position because he can scout me all day long but the reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him, he is the greatest player ever.

“So you end up playing more free and take more risk.

“If you play your normal level or even a little above your normal level he will win.”

Djokovic himself congratulated Opelka for his level after the match, posting a message on Instagram praising his tennis.

“Amazing tennis, Reilly,” he said.

“Absolutely deserved. Good luck.”

Despite the upset, Opelka has the longest odds to win the Brisbane International.

Defending champion Grigor Dimitrov is now the favourite ($2.40), followed by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard ($3.40), Jiri Lehecka ($4.33) then Opelka on $5.50.

Next up, the American will face Mpetshi Perricard in the semi-finals, where Marantelli Bet has him as a $2.10 underdog.

Opelka says he is motivated to go all the way in Brisbane, however, having sat on the sidelines and watched his fellow Americans advance in recent years.

“It has been tough,” he said.

“A lot of doubt.

“I watched Taylor, Tommy, Frances, Ben on TV do great and that was fun and motivating.

“It kept me motivated in the sport.

“I watched Novak become the greatest in my two-year period off.

“You ask yourself what would Novak be doing in my position.

“That is the impact he has had on the sport.

“I stayed the course when I was on crutches and just hoped I would have another chance out here like I had tonight.”

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