Reilly Opelka Bio
Reilly Opelka (born August 28, 1997) is an American professional tennis player. At 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m), he is tied with Ivo Karlović for the tallest-ever ATP-ranked player and can produce serves that measure over 140 miles per hour (225 km/h). He has been ranked as high as world No. 17 in singles by the ATP, which he achieved on February 28, 2022, and in doubles as world No. 89 on August 2, 2021. He has won four ATP singles titles and one doubles title. He won the junior Wimbledon championship in 2015.
Early Life and Background
Reilly Opelka was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, and moved to Palm Coast, Florida, at the age of four. He did not start playing tennis regularly until he began training through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in Boca Raton when he was twelve years old. Opelka credits Tom Gullikson, who was known to his father from golf, for much of his early development as a tennis player. His early exposure to the sport and guidance from experienced mentors helped shape his career.
Path to Tennis
Opelka made his ATP debut at the 2016 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, where he lost in the first round to fifth seed Sam Querrey. In August of that year, he won his first three career ATP matches at the Atlanta Open, reaching the semifinals at just his third ATP event. This included a victory over the 203 cm tall player No. 27 Kevin Anderson, in which he saved two match points on Anderson’s serve. His performance helped him break into the top 300 of the ATP rankings.
Reilly Opelka Career
Early Career (2015-2018)
Opelka turned professional in 2015 and quickly began to make a name for himself. In 2018, he won three ATP Challenger titles, becoming the first American to do so since Bradley Klahn in 2014. He finished the season with a top-100 year-end ranking, ending the year at world No. 99. His solid performance on the ATP Challenger Tour earned him recognition and set the stage for his future successes.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
Opelka achieved his first ATP title at the New York Open in February 2019, defeating John Isner in the process. He also reached the third round of Wimbledon that year, marking his best Grand Slam result at that time. In 2020, he lifted his second career trophy at the Delray Beach Open, saving a match point in the semifinals against Milos Raonic. His performance continued to improve, and in 2021, he reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final at the Canada Masters, defeating several top players along the way. This run propelled him into the top 25 of the ATP singles rankings for the first time.
Notable Works and Milestones
Opelka’s signature work includes his impressive serve and tall stature, which have made him a formidable opponent on the court. He has achieved significant milestones, including four ATP singles titles and a notable run in the Masters 1000 tournaments.
Reilly Opelka Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Reilly Opelka has received various nominations and accolades, reflecting his growth and success in professional tennis.
Reilly Opelka Awards Won
Opelka has won multiple awards, including four ATP singles titles and one doubles title, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Reilly Opelka Family
Information regarding Reilly Opelka’s family background is limited. He is known to have a close relationship with his uncle, Mike Opelka, who is a radio talk show host.
Personal Life
Opelka is an avid supporter of Chicago sports teams, including the Chicago Bulls (NBA), the Chicago Bears (NFL), and the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL). He is also known to be close friends with fellow tennis player Taylor Fritz, having served as the best man at Fritz’s wedding. His personal interests and relationships reflect his vibrant personality off the court.
