Lob and Smash
Fansided

Reilly Opelka touches career heights with first ATP title

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Reilly Opelka of the United States plays a backhand in his first round match against John Isner of the United States during day one of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 14: Reilly Opelka of the United States plays a backhand in his first round match against John Isner of the United States during day one of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 14, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

American tennis player Reilly Opelka reaches career heights this week following his first career singles title on the ATP Tour.

Top seeded John Isner cruised into the semifinals at the New York Open this week where he met fellow countryman and up and comer Reilly Opelka. Prior to their meeting, Isner defeated both Bernard Tomic and the seventh seeded Jordan Thompson. Even though Tomic did challenge the top seed in their opening set, Isner had not dropped a single set until he came face to face with the 21-year-old Opelka.

The young American knocked off the fifth seeded Adrian Mannarino to start his run at the New York Open. He would go on to win two stellar matches before entering an epic battle with Isner.

More. Djokovic Can Catch Federer. light

Three sets couldn’t look any better as the veteran great and the rising star set a combined aces record of 81. In the end though, it would be Opelka who emerged on top. He defeats Isner in a historic New York Open semifinal, winning 6-7 (8), 7-6 (14), 7-6 (4).

Another up and coming ATP star in Brayden Schnur met Opelka in the finals. While the Isner match was quite a battle, the finals didn’t get too much easier for the young American. He cruised through the first set, defeating Schnur with ease, but then the Canadian roared back to force a third set. Opelka dug deep and hung on, winning his first ever ATP singles title 6-1, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (7).

The win in New York helps Opelka skyrocket in the men’s singles rankings. He moves up 33 places this week following his newfound title. Opelka won the 2015 Junior Wimbledon title but the New York Open is his first on the ATP Tour. Moving up 33 places, he is now the world number 56 in men’s singles tennis. HERE is a look at some other major rankings movers this week.

Next. Top 10 Young ATP Stars Today. dark

As the 2019 ATP Tour rolls on, we have a new champion to add into the mix with Reilly Opelka. He represents just one of many rising ATP stars right now. Men’s singles tennis has been dominated by the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal as of late, but it is players such as Opelka who represent the future. His win over Isner was the second time he took down the American veteran this year. Previously, he upset the towering Isner at the Australian Open. Look out for Opelka in the coming weeks on months on tour.

Home/ATP