History of Reilly Opelka in Timeline

Reilly Opelka is an American professional tennis player renowned for his towering height (6'11") and powerful serve, reaching speeds over 140 mph. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 17 in February 2022, and No. 89 in doubles in August 2021. Opelka has secured four ATP singles titles and one doubles title. A significant early accomplishment was his victory at the junior Wimbledon championship in 2015, signaling a promising career on the professional circuit.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 1997: Reilly Opelka Born

In August 1997, Reilly Opelka was born. He would become an American professional tennis player known for his height and powerful serve.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Last American with 3 Challenger Titles

Bradley Klahn was the last American before Opelka to win 3 Challenger titles in one year. This happened in 2014.

2015: Won 2015 Junior Wimbledon Tournament

In 2015, Opelka won the Junior Wimbledon tournament, defeating Taylor Fritz and Mikael Ymer. He also reached the finals of the Boys' Doubles event.

2015: Won Junior Wimbledon Championship

In 2015, Reilly Opelka won the junior Wimbledon championship.

2016: ATP Debut and First ATP Wins

In 2016, Opelka debuted at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships and won his first three ATP matches at the Atlanta Open, reaching the semi-finals and moving into the top 300. He also won his first ATP Challenger title in Charlottesville.

2017: Australian Open Qualification

In 2017, Opelka qualified for the Australian Open and recorded one ATP Tour level win at the Memphis Open.

2018: Breakthrough Year with Challenger Titles

2018 proved to be a breakthrough year for Opelka, winning three ATP Challenger titles. These included the Bordeaux Challenger in May and back-to-back titles at the Knoxville Challenger and the JSM Challenger in November.

August 2, 2021: Reached World No. 89 in Doubles

On August 2, 2021, Reilly Opelka achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 89 by the ATP.

August 16, 2021: Entered Top 25 ATP Singles Ranking

On August 16, 2021, Opelka entered the top 25 in the ATP singles rankings for the first time, achieving world No. 23 after a successful run at the Canada Masters.

September 13, 2021: Cracked Top 20 ATP Singles Ranking

On September 13, 2021, Opelka cracked the top 20 in the ATP singles rankings for the first time, achieving world No. 19 after reaching the fourth round of the US Open.

February 21, 2022: Reached Career-High Ranking of World No. 18

On February 21, 2022, Reilly Opelka reached a new career-high ranking of world No. 18.

February 28, 2022: Reached World No. 17 in Singles

On February 28, 2022, Reilly Opelka achieved his highest ATP singles ranking of world No. 17.

2022: Won Second Title of the Year

In 2022, Opelka won his second title of the year at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships, defeating John Isner. He also reached the fourth round at the Indian Wells Open.

October 2023: Returned to ATP Challenger Tour After Hiatus

In October 2023, after a year and a half hiatus due to a wrist injury, Opelka returned to the ATP Challenger Tour at the Charlottesville Men's Pro Challenger, winning his first-round match before retiring in the second round.

2023: Rinky Hijikata Libéma Open Semifinals

Rinky Hijikata advanced to the Libéma Open semifinals as a lucky loser in 2023.

July 2024: Returned to ATP Tour and Secured First Victory in Two Years

In mid-July 2024, Opelka returned to the ATP Tour at the Hall of Fame Open, securing his first victory at that level in two years. He then reached the semifinals, becoming the lowest ranked player to do so and moving up in the rankings.

2025: Reached Semifinals as Lucky Loser

At the 2025 Libéma Open Opelka reached the semifinals as a lucky loser, defeating top seed Daniil Medvedev.

2025: Victorious Start at the Australian Open

Despite injury concerns, Opelka made a victorious start at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating Gauthier Onclin. He lost in the second round to Tomáš Macháč.

2025: Brisbane International Final

In 2025, Opelka reached his first final since Houston in 2022 at the Brisbane International, defeating Novak Djokovic. He retired in the final due to back issues.