With Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal dominating so much of men’s tennis, it’s easier for the sport’s fresh-faced up-and-comers to be overlooked in the shuffle. This is the scenario with Reilly Opelka, the rising American star who stunned Stan Wawrinka at Wimbledon in 2019. Opelka, who is only 24 years old, has a chance to achieve what plenty of others have struggled to do: move into the top echelon of men’s tennis. However, it’s possible that the only thing holding him back is himself.
Reilly Opelka started out playing tennis at the age of 6, as per his bio on the ATP’s official website. Tom Gullickson, a retired professional, taught Opelka from a young age in Palm Coast, Florida. This set him up for future success from a young age, and Opelka began his professional career on the ATP freshman circuit, where he earned a junior title in 2015.
In any company, Opelka sticks out. He outshines practically every opponent he faces with his 6’11” body, and his tendency to use his bulk for physical power makes him a terrifying threat for any of tennis’s stars to cover. Due to their height, he and his teammates, 6’11” Ivo Karlovic and 6’10” John Isner, are known as the “Triple Towers.”
Opelka clinched his position in men’s tennis with a win over Brayden Schnur at the New York Open prior to his appearance at the Australian Open. This triumph enabled him to transcend a mental barrier that every champion must conquer at some point.
In Red Bull’s assessment of Opelka, they focus on what makes him so frightening to his opponents. He can deliver the ball at speeds of above 140 mph, which means that any player who isn’t on their toes will see the ball past them before they could even realize he struck it. Since Andy Roddick’s retirement, American men have failed to compete in major championships, but Opelka could be the catalyst for change.