Introduction
Reilly Opelka is a name that resonates powerfully in the tennis world, especially among fans who admire tall, powerful players. Born on August 28, 1997, in St. Joseph, Michigan, this 6’11” American stands out not only for his towering stature—tying Ivo Karlović as the tallest player ever ranked in the ATP circuit—but also for a serve that can exceed 140 mph. His journey in the sport began modestly, shaped by family and unexpected mentors, and evolved into moments of glory, painful injury setbacks, and a triumphant return in 2025.
Opelka embodies the resilient spirit of contemporary American tennis. With four ATP titles and notable victories against the world’s best, he has become a role model for young players aspiring to dominate the court with raw power. In 2025, at age 28, he continues to surprise, reaching finals and semifinals in key tournaments and competing in events like the Laver Cup, where he’s coached by legends like Andre Agassi. This biography delves into the life and career of this unique athlete, tracing his path from his roots to recent events, including his performance at the 2025 Laver Cup in San Francisco.
His impact transcends statistics: Opelka is a close friend of rivals like Taylor Fritz and harbors a passion for American sports and Italian football. Having peaked at No. 17 in the world in 2022 and climbing back to the top 70 by June 2025, he proves that persistence and talent can overcome adversity. Let’s explore his journey step by step.
Early Life and Discovery of Tennis
Reilly Opelka’s story begins in a small Michigan town, where harsh winters could have limited outdoor activities. But at age 4, his family moved to Palm Coast, Florida, a haven for sports like tennis. Born to parents who valued athletics—his father was an amateur golfer—Reilly grew up in an environment that encouraged physical activity. It wasn’t until age 12, however, that he began training seriously, joining the USTA (United States Tennis Association) program in Boca Raton.
What drew him to tennis wasn’t a dramatic moment but a family connection. His father knew Tom Gullikson, a legendary American coach who had worked with Pete Sampras. Though retired, Gullikson offered early advice that shaped Opelka’s style. “He taught me to use my height to my advantage from the start,” Opelka recalled in past interviews. By 14, he was competing in regional junior tournaments, impressing with his ability to hit powerful shots despite wielding a racket that looked tiny in his massive hands.
Florida’s warm climate and elite academies were the perfect crucible for his development. He trained alongside rising talents, learning not just technique but also a competitive mindset. His height, now a weapon, was a source of insecurity in childhood—Reilly was always the tallest in his class. But in tennis, it became an advantage. At 15, he stood 6’6” and was experimenting with serves that forced opponents to retreat. These formative years were crucial: Opelka balanced academics and training, graduating from a preparatory school in Palm Beach Gardens in 2015.
During this time, he also discovered passions off the court. A fervent fan of Chicago teams—Bulls in basketball, Bears in football, and Blackhawks in hockey—Reilly attended games whenever possible. His family supported him unconditionally, with his uncle Mike Opelka, a Chicago radio host, inspiring his public communication skills. These family ties helped forge a resilient young man ready for the challenges of professional sports.
Rise in Junior Tennis
Opelka’s leap to the junior scene was meteoric. In 2014, he won his first major U.S. tournament, the Easter Bowl, and gained international attention by reaching the US Open junior quarterfinals. But 2015 was his true breakout: at the Wimbledon junior event, the American clinched the singles title, defeating Mikael Ymer in the final, 7-6(5), 6-4. En route, he beat compatriot Taylor Fritz in the semifinals, cementing a lasting friendship.
This London triumph wasn’t isolated. Opelka also reached the doubles final at the same tournament, partnering with Australian Akira Santillan, only losing to the Hungarian duo. These results propelled him to the top of the ITF junior rankings, with victories in events like the Orange Bowl and Abierto Juvenil Mexicano. His height was already legendary: at 17, he stood 6’10” and used his wingspan to dominate service and return points.
Intense training at IMG Academy in Florida refined his technique. Under coaches like Nick Bollettieri, he focused on improving mobility—a challenge for someone so tall—and strengthening his core to withstand the impact of his serves. “I was like a sunflower trying to move fast,” Opelka joked about his early years. Despite some early losses in major tournaments, like the 2015 Australian Open junior event where he fell in the round of 16, he gained valuable experience.
This junior phase ended with Opelka turning pro in 2015 at 18. He declined a college scholarship to dive into the challenger circuit, a risky but bold decision. His early steps were promising: wins in qualifiers and a top 500 ATP ranking before age 19. His junior rise paved the way for a career blending bursts of success with forced pauses.
Entry into the Professional Circuit
Joining the ATP circuit in 2015, Opelka faced the harsh reality of lower-tier tournaments. His early years were a learning curve: he played futures and challengers, earning modest wins like the 2016 Winnetka Challenger title. His height drew attention but also criticism—some called him “just a server.” Yet, in 2017, he had a breakthrough: reaching the Memphis Open quarterfinals, defeating seasoned players like Steve Johnson.
The year 2018 marked his consolidation. Opelka won his first ATP doubles title at the Citi Open with Oliver Marach and reached the US Open fourth round, his best Grand Slam result at the time. He beat qualifier Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, proving he could compete with the new generation. His ranking broke into the top 100, reaching No. 115.
In 2019, Opelka exploded. He won the New York Open, his first ATP singles title, defeating Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 6-1 in the final. His serve shone: 20 aces in the final alone. He also reached semifinals in Houston and Atlanta, ending the year in the top 40. These results attracted sponsors, with Opelka signing with Fila for apparel and Wilson for rackets.
The 2020 pandemic didn’t stop him: he claimed the Delray Beach Open, beating Sebastian Korda in the final amid sanitary bubbles. His return game improved, enabling wins on fast courts. In 2021, he reached the Canadian Open final, a Masters 1000, losing to Daniil Medvedev. With Jannik Sinner, he won the Atlanta Open doubles title. These early professional years transformed Opelka from a prospect to a genuine contender.
Achievements and Major Titles
Opelka’s career is marked by achievements highlighting his power and determination. His four ATP singles titles are milestones: the 2019 New York Open, overcoming a tough draw with wins over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and John Isner; the 2020 Delray Beach Open, beating Korda in straight sets in a pandemic-shortened event; and two in 2022, the Dallas Open (defeating Taylor Fritz in a friendly duel) and the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston, proving versatility on clay.
In doubles, the 2021 Atlanta title with Sinner was special—they beat Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury in the final. Opelka has nine top-10 wins, including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini, and, in 2025, Novak Djokovic. His best Grand Slam results were the 2019 and 2021 US Opens, reaching the fourth round, facing giants like Dominic Thiem.
In challengers, he has over 10 titles, like Cary in 2017 and Winnipeg in 2018, boosting his ranking. His career-high No. 17 came in February 2022 after semifinals in Delray, Indian Wells, and Barcelona. These feats aren’t just numbers: they represent overcoming challenges, like his 2019 win over Isner in a battle of servers.
Opelka also shone in Davis Cup, aiding the U.S. in 2019 and 2022 with key victories. His contribution to American tennis is undeniable, inspiring a new wave of tall, aggressive players.
Playing Style and Strengths
What makes Opelka unique is his serve-based style. At 6’11”, he creates impossible angles, hitting serves that clip the line with precision. His first serve, over 140 mph, is a lethal weapon—he leads the ATP in aces per match in multiple seasons. His second serve varies between slices and kicks to keep opponents off the baseline.
His return game is underrated: despite his height, he bends well to counter powerful serves. His forehand delivers winners from any position, though his backhand is more defensive, used for transitions. On fast surfaces like grass and hard courts, he dominates; on clay, he focuses on consistency, as seen in Houston 2022.
Mentally, Opelka is calm under pressure, using humor to stay relaxed. His 7’3” wingspan aids volleys, making him dangerous at the net. Weaknesses? Lateral mobility in long rallies, but he compensates with improved fitness post-injuries.
Injury Challenges
Injuries have been Opelka’s biggest hurdle. In 2022, right wrist surgery sidelined him for 17 months—from March 2022 to August 2023. He returned in challengers but retired mid-match soon after. In 2024, back issues limited him, forcing an eight-month hiatus.
His July 2024 return was heroic: semifinals at the Hall of Fame Open as the lowest-ranked player ever to reach that stage. In 2025, he reached the Brisbane final but retired against Jiří Lehečka due to back pain. At the Australian Open, he lost in the second round in five sets. These setbacks tested his resilience, but he used downtime to study the game and strengthen his body.
Personal Life and Interests
Off the court, Opelka is laid-back. Living in Delray Beach, Florida, he’s Taylor Fritz’s best man. His uncle Mike, a Chicago media figure, influences his social media presence. A fan of Lazio in Serie A and Chicago teams, he balances tennis with travel and golf. Married but without children, he prioritizes family.
Recent Updates in 2025
2025 has been a redemption year for Opelka. He started strong in Brisbane, defeating Djokovic in the quarters—his eighth top-10 win—and Mpetshi Perricard in the semis, reaching his seventh ATP final and 100th career win. Despite retiring in the final, he climbed to No. 171. At the Australian Open, he won his opener against Gauthier Onclin but fell to Tomáš Macháč in a five-set epic.
At the Libéma Open as a lucky loser, he stunned Daniil Medvedev in the quarters after the Russian faltered in a tiebreak. He reached the semifinals, solidifying his comeback. By June, his ranking was No. 70, with strong showings at the US Open, Houston, and Dallas.
Participation in the 2025 Laver Cup
The 2025 Laver Cup, held in San Francisco from September 19-21, marked Opelka’s return to the event after four years. Representing Team World, coached by new captain Andre Agassi, he opened the tournament against Casper Ruud on Friday, September 19. In a tense 1.5-hour match, Ruud won 6-4, 7-6(7-4), securing the first point for Europe. Opelka served well but faltered in key moments.
On Saturday, September 20, Team Europe led 3-1 after doubles and singles. Opelka praised Agassi in a press conference: “They say he’s a genius, and it’s true.” His presence, bolstered by recent wins like Brisbane, energized the team. The Laver Cup highlighted his form, with Agassi guiding him on match points.
Conclusion
Reilly Opelka is more than a tall server: he’s a warrior who turns challenges into fuel. From Wimbledon juniors to the 2025 Laver Cup, his journey inspires. At 28, the future promises more glory. Here’s to more booming serves!
