“It’s not as if he doesn’t know how to play tennis” : Andy Roddick not concerned with Novak Djokovic’s early exit in Brisbane
Novak Djokovic was defeated in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Brisbane Open, as he kickstarted his season last week. The Serbian was defeated by Reilly Opelka in straight sets, as questions start to rise regarding his chances at the 2025 Australian Open.
However, former American tennis player Andy Roddick was not too concerned with the Serb’s loss in Brisbane. He believes that Novak Djokovic would eventually be able to pick up big serves once he gets a couple of more matches in. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was out-served by Reilly Opelka last week in Brisbane.
Andy Roddick also believes that Andy Murray joining Novak’s camp would prove to be a huge boost. The Briton has now joined his former rival in Australia, as the first Grand Slam of the year kicks off in a couple of days.
“I’m not that concerned. If Novak gets his matches in, maybe he picks up one or two. The training and heat (in Australia) is not going to be bad for him. Andy Murray’s (his coach) done skiing. He’s going to go down to Australia and they’re going to be together. I’m not super alarmed for Novak. It’s not as if he doesn’t know how to play tennis,” said Roddick on Served with Andy Roddick podcast.
“I think the best of five format favors Novak over everyone” : Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick further added that he would more concerned if Novak Djokovic had not lost to a huge server like Reilly Opelka. “I would be more stressed out if I was part of Novak’s team if he had lost to someone who wasn’t a huge server, someone who couldn’t take the racket out of your hands…someone who makes balls and Novak has a weird loss. I’m not too concerned about it,” Roddick said.
Andy Roddick also believes that Novak Djokovic has the edge over most of his rivals when it comes to playing five sets. The American stated that Djokovic had the physical and mental ability to withstand the pressure of a five-setter at Grand Slams, backed by his enormous experience.
Andy Roddick further added that Novak Djokovic will be tough to beat at the 2025 Australian Open, given that he has won the title here on 10 occasions already. Moreover, he opined that the loss to Reilly Opelka in Brisbane would not be playing on his mind too much, as the Serbian begins his quest to win his 25th major title.
