Discover Reilly Opelka’s height, comeback journey, serve stats, and his highly anticipated first-round battle vs Carlos Alcaraz at the 2025 US Open. Includes background, Brooksby context, Venus mixed-doubles mention, and where he stands today.
Quick Snapshot (TL;DR)
- Highlight Matchup: Reilly Opelka (6′11″)—the tallest U.S. pro—faces Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping first-round showdown at the 2025 US Open.
- How Tall Is Opelka? At 6′11″ (2.11 m), tied as the tallest-ever ATP player.
- Comeback Story: After hip and wrist injuries and surgeries in recent years, Opelka is resurging—he beat Novak Djokovic in Brisbane and snapped a poor streak by upsetting De Minaur in Cincinnati.
- Venus Williams Mixed Doubles: Opelka paired with Venus in mixed doubles—a spotlight moment showcasing his versatility and reputation among American tennis stars.
- Brooksby Insight: Simultaneously, Jenson Brooksby is experiencing his own revival on tour (ranking up, first ATP title in 2025), underscoring a broader American resurgence.
Setting the Stage: Ridge-to-Court – Opelka vs Alcaraz
At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the towering “Servebot” meets Spanish finesse in Carlos Alcaraz—a high-stakes first-round clash. Alcaraz, set for his fifth US Open, must concentrate intensely; analysts like Chanda Rubin warn not to underestimate Opelka’s serve.
- Opelka’s Weapon: A season-high 655 aces in 40 matches (16.4 per match average), ranking him among the best servers in modern tennis.
- Alcaraz’s Plan: Lean on his signature kick serve to offset Opelka’s power.
- Prediction Buzz: While Alcaraz is favorite, Opelka’s pace game could stretch the match into deep territory—making bets like “Over 34.5 games” plausible.
Meet Reilly Opelka: Height, History, and Heritage
Height and Persona:
- Standing 6′11″, Opelka shares the ATP’s height summit with Ivo Karlović—his stature powers his serve and presence.
Personal & Junior Highlights:
- Born August 28, 1997 in St. Joseph, Michigan; now residing in Florida. He turned pro in 2015.
- As a junior, he won Wimbledon 2015, a sign of early promise.
Injuries and Revival:
- Underwent hip and wrist surgeries; nearly considered retirement. Now back—beating Djokovic earlier this year and snapping a losing streak by defeating De Minaur in Cincinnati.
What’s at Stake: US Open and Mixed Doubles
Main Draw Drama:
- As detailed by Reuters, Opelka’s match versus Alcaraz headlines day-two on Ashe. Venus Williams also returns in mixed doubles, teaming up with Opelka a moment drawing national spotlight.
Mixed Doubles Buzz:
- The revamped mixed doubles format has seen enthusiastic reception—Venus and Opelka’s pairing amplifies that excitement.
Tactical Breakdown: Big Serve vs Baseline Maestro
Opelka’s Advantage:
- Massive serve—aces and service games dominate—ideal for short points and pressure relief. Aces leader this season.
Alcaraz’s Defense:
- Elusive footwork, kick serve, and varied pacing. Must neutralize the bolt of Opelka’s serve and draw rallies for margin.
Match Outcome Factors:
- If Alcaraz neutralizes speed and rallies effectively, Opelka’s mobility may prove a liability; if Opelka fires serve—and possibly grabs a tiebreak—he could force a long slog.
🚨 @usopen R1
🗓️ Monday, August 25
📍 Arthur Ashe Stadium 🇺🇸🏟️
🎾 Opponent: Reilly Opelka 🇺🇸
⚔️ H2H: 0-0
⏰ Time (New York): Aprox. 9:00pm🌃Vamos @carlosalcaraz 💪🩵 pic.twitter.com/OuCGj3nU1z
— Daily Alcaraz (@alcarazdaily) August 22, 2025
Parallel Profiles: Brooksby’s Resurgence
American Jenson Brooksby’s rise parallels Opelka’s comeback. After plummeting rankings, he’s now won an ATP title in 2025 and cracked top 100 again. His momentum reflects a broader American revival in tennis.
Why Fans Care: Records, Comebacks, and Court Contrast
- Tallest-ever duel in New York: The visual contrast between Opelka and Alcaraz is striking.
- From surgeries to spotlight: Opelka’s health comeback adds emotional weight.
- Legacy touches: Venus pairing and junior Wimbledon champion background link him to tennis tradition.
- American story arc: Brooksby and Opelka show depth in U.S. men’s tennis beyond just one player.
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