Former world no. 17 Reilly Opelka is again in motion! Reilly underwent surgical procedures on his hip and wrist, taking a two-year break from tennis (one Challenger match final yr) and having fun with his different passions, artwork and style. Nearly two years after competing in his most up-to-date ATP match, Opelka took a wild card for the ATP 250 occasion in Newport and made a profitable begin.
Reilly confronted Fixed Lestienne within the first spherical and prevailed 6-1, 2-6, 7-6 in two hours and 5 minutes. Opelka shocked himself with a powerful begin. Nonetheless, he misplaced floor in set quantity two earlier than controlling every part within the decider for a comeback triumph.
Reilly fired 16 aces and made the distinction along with his booming serve.
Reilly Opelka is again on the ATP Tour after two years.
The American confronted 4 break factors within the second set, shedding serve two occasions and securing two return video games within the opening set.
Lestienne defended all 5 break factors within the decider earlier than falling within the tie break. Taking part in his first ATP match in nearly two years, Opelka made a flying begin and cast a 5-0 benefit with three comfy holds and two breaks on his tally.
The house participant wrapped up the set within the seventh recreation after half an hour with an ace down the T line, hoping for extra in set quantity two. As an alternative, Fixed raised his degree, serving effectively and pressuring his opponent. The Frenchman bounced again from 15-40 within the second recreation and delivered a break that pushed him in entrance.
Reilly denied a break level within the sixth recreation earlier than shedding serve for the second time at 2-5 after a free forehand, permitting his rival to power a decider.
Opelka restored his preliminary shot within the remaining set and stored the strain on the opposite facet. Lestienne survived the primary recreation and saved three extra break factors at 2-2. They served effectively within the upcoming six video games, with Reilly needing one other advantageous maintain at 5-6 to remain in competition.
The American stood two factors away from defeat earlier than holding after a deuce, introducing a tie break. Opelka grabbed an early mini-break and clinched 4 factors on his serve for a 5-2 benefit. Reilly secured one other mini-break for 4 match factors and transformed the primary after drawing Fixed’s mistake with a deep return, celebrating a profitable return to motion after an prolonged break.
Opelka will face the highest seed Adrian Mannarino within the second spherical, hoping for one more good run towards an skilled opponent.