It has all come down to the last 8 at the Dallas Open and the Americans are on fire. Tommy Paul, after a sensational start to the 2025 season has not made his way into the quarters looking to grab his first title of the season. However, standing his way will be the giant Reilly Opelka. After making his comeback to professional tennis owing to an injury, he is on fire having already made a final earlier this year. In what is supposed to be an all-American showdown, who will come out on top?
Tommy Paul vs Reilly Opelka: Preview
Tommy Paul has had a sensational run to his 2025 season. Starting at the Adelaide International, he managed to enter the event’s semi-finals but eventually lost to Felix Auger Aliassime. Then came the Australian Open where his sensational quarter-final run made him reach the ATP top 10 for the first time in his career. Now playing at the ATP Dallas, the American pro faced compatriots Jenson Brooksby and Ethan Quinn. While both the matches went to 3-sets, he managed to come out on top on both occasions.
Against Quinn, he managed to fire 9 aces and won a total of 93 points. With a 76% win percentage on the 1st serve, Paul showed how lethal his serve can be. Not only this, he was also able to convert 50% of his break points (3/6) during the match. With the form he has shown, he can be a hard nut to crack.
Defending champion Tommy Paul defeats Ethan Quinn 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 to reach the QFs in Dallas vs. Reilly Opelka.
Should have won an hour earlier, but good job to keep it together in the decider after that crazy end of the second set… pic.twitter.com/SzyUAUdrS0
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 7, 2025
On the other hand, his opponent, the 7ft serve bot Reilly Opelka has made a sensational comeback to professional tennis. In the first event that he played following his comeback (ASB Classic), he managed to reach the final but had to retire owing to injury concerns. However, his Australian Open campaign did not go well as he suffered a second-round defeat. Looking to overturn the defeat, the American star has reached the quarters by defeating Alexander Shevchenko and Cameron Norrie.
Against the British star, Opelka fired a massive 18 aces and managed to bag 101 points to his name. With an 81% win percentage on the first serve, he showed why he is known as the serve bot. However, he was only able to convert 25% of his break points during the match (1/4).
Paul vs Opelka: Head-to-head
When it comes to the head-to-head between the two stars, the scores are leveled at 0-0 each. They will faceoff against each other for the first time at ATP Dallas.
Prediction: In a tightly contested match, Tommy Paul can come out on top
Reilly Opelka’s serve will be the most crucial factor in his match. If he lands his first serve consistently, he can dictate play and put his opponent under pressure. However, his fitness remains a concern. Since returning from a long-term injury in 2024, Opelka has shown flashes of brilliance when fully fit. He had a strong semifinal run in Newport last year and recently pulled off a major upset over Novak Djokovic in Brisbane. However, his inconsistency due to lingering fitness concerns has prevented him from gaining momentum.
Dallas has historically been a good tournament for Opelka. In 2022, he won the ATP Dallas title, defeating John Isner and Jenson Brooksby on his way to the trophy. With his dominant serve and comfort on indoor hard courts, Opelka has the potential to make a deep run in this event. However, his ability to maintain a high standard throughout the tournament remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Tommy Paul has been one of the most consistent players in early 2025. He reached the semifinals in Adelaide and the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, where he pushed Alexander Zverev but failed to convert his opportunities. Paul has also proven himself on indoor courts, winning two indoor titles last season in Dallas and Stockholm. If he finds his best form, he will be one of the strongest contenders for the title this week.
Prediction: Although Opelka’s powerful serve could make this match competitive, Paul’s experience, shot tolerance, and strong record on indoor courts should give him the edge. Opelka may challenge him in service games, but Paul’s ability to handle pressure and dictate baseline rallies should be enough to secure a routine victory.
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