The Brisbane ATP 250 tournament is heating up as players vie for a place in the semifinals. Two notable matches stand out in the quarterfinals: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard faces Jakub Mensik, while Novak Djokovic takes on Reilly Opelka. Both matchups showcase contrasting styles and recent performances, making these encounters particularly intriguing.

Mpetshi Perricard vs. Mensik: A Clash of Momentum

French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard has been on an impressive run, securing victories in four of his last five matches. His performance in Brisbane has been nothing short of spectacular, with standout wins over Nick Kyrgios and Taylor Fritz. Perricard's serve has been a formidable weapon, especially in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Jakub Mensik, a young Czech talent, has had a mixed bag of results recently, losing three of his last five matches. Despite this, Mensik has shown resilience, winning both his matches in Brisbane without dropping a set.

Perricard's breakthrough season last year has prepared him well for this level of competition. He demonstrated exceptional composure under pressure, particularly against Kyrgios, where he served 36 aces and maintained his serve throughout the match. Mensik, on the other hand, faced challenges at the Next Gen Finals but managed to bounce back in Brisbane. While Mensik's serve was strong, he did face some early struggles in his first-round match. Overall, Perricard's experience and recent form give him the edge, making him a confident favorite to advance.

Djokovic vs. Opelka: Experience Meets Power

Novak Djokovic, aiming to prepare for the Australian Open, has already showcased his dominance in Brisbane. The Serbian star has won three of his last five matches, including straight-set victories over Yoshihito Nishioka and Gael Monfils. Djokovic's record against Monfils stands at an impeccable 20-0, highlighting his consistency and skill. In contrast, Reilly Opelka, known for his powerful serve, has also secured three wins in his last five matches. However, Opelka has battled injuries over the past few seasons, which adds an element of uncertainty to his performance.

Djokovic's focus on the upcoming Australian Open means he is likely to be at his best in Brisbane. His victory over Monfils in the second round further underscores his readiness. Opelka, despite facing some health issues, has displayed remarkable serving prowess, not offering any break points in his opening-round match. In the second round, Opelka narrowly turned things around against Lorenzo Arnaldi, winning through two tiebreaks. While Djokovic is the clear favorite, Opelka's ability to hold his serve could make this match more competitive than expected. Bookmakers agree that Djokovic is the heavy favorite, but Opelka's resilience suggests he might keep the match tight.