“He’s not a one-trick pony. Sometimes, a lot of these big guys, (people) think they’re one-trick ponies.” Reilly Opelka’s traveling coach Denis Kudla said earlier this season, in January, while emphasizing on the 6’11” ATP pro’s potential. “He has got a lot of variety. He is a very all-around, good tennis player,” he further added. Well Opelka showed the signs as well at the start of this year in Brisbane. Who can forget his heroics in an impressive campaign where he effortlessly stunned Novak Djokovic? Now, his compatriot Tommy Paul has also stressed on the fact that the tall guy is more than just his intimidating stature.
Opelka’s tennis journey has been heavily affected by the hip and wrist injuries. He missed the 2023 and 2024 season owing to injuries as well. However, the American pro made a phenomenal return in January. At the Brisbane International, he showed his potential by winning back-to-back encounters. But the QF face-off against Djokovic was the one that caught everyone’s attention. Although it was their maiden face-off in an ATP event, Opelka totally dominated the Serbian, clinching the match in straight sets 7-6(6), 6-3.
“I just focused on hitting my spots,” the American said after pulling off the greatest upset of his career. “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.”
Sep 2, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Reilly Opelka of the United States returns a shot against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in a second round match on day four of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Opelka’s Italian Open campaign may have ended early this week, after losing to another compatriot Learner Tien in R128, but he’s still in contention in the doubles where he will be partnering the fellow American, Tommy Paul. On Sunday, they are going against the pair of Belgium’s Sander Gillé and Polish pro Jan Zieliński. Paul, who won his singles opener against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut on Saturday, sat down with Tennis Channel for a brief conversation, where he heaped praise on Opelka as well.
“He’s playing. That’s the number one thing with Reilly. When he’s on court, it’s always big. He’s obviously had a lot of time off and we are all so happy seeing him back, seeing healthy,” Paul said.
Citing Opelka’s famous clash with Djokovic in Brisbane, Paul further added, “He just needs matches. He can beat everyone, he beat Novak this year you know. I mean everyone kind of forgets about that but I’m sure he’s gonna be fine. He’s excited that he’s out here on tour and playing big matches.”
And, it’s not only Tommy Paul who rates Opelka high. Even a former US Open champion believes Opelka can create a huge impact going forward this season.
Andy Roddick backs Reilly Opelka to shine in 2025
Back in January, ex-ATP pro Andy Roddick had shed light on Reilly Opelka’s prospects this season. In an episode of his Served podcast, he expressed his admiration for the tall guy’s on-court skills, especially his speedy serves and ball striking abilities.
Roddick said, “I promise you man no one wants to play him, no one wanted to play him and no one wants to play him now, he is exciting. No, not not a single person. He’s probably the biggest number one thing where top player is going, ‘no don’t want him any part of him the first 3 rounds of the Australian Open’.”
Even former WTA icon Rennae Stubbs praised Opelka’s comeback earlier this season. After he ousted Djokovic in the QF of the Brisbane International, Stubbs wrote on social media, “I’M TRULY SO HAPPY FOR THIS GUY! HE’S BEEN THRU HELL THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH HIS INJURIES AND THIS IS A GREAT STORY OF RESILENCE! WELL DONE MATE”.
Opelka reached a career-high ranking of 17 back in 2022. But he had to go through a challenging phase thereafter due to the wrist and hip injuries. The absence from the tour for two straight seasons pushed him out of top 100. The American is back in top 100 now, but he would want to climb further up as he is still at No. 94.
It will be intriguing to see how Opelka performs at the next big event this season, that is the French Open. What are your thoughts on his chances at Roland Garros? Will he make a strong impact? Let us know in the comments below.
The post “He Beat Novak…” – Locker Room on Edge as ATP Star Warns of Reilly Opelka’s Menacing Comeback appeared first on EssentiallySports.