“I’m excited, but this is kind of the beginning of a new start for me,” said Reilly Opelka after taking down the GOAT, Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International round of eight. After undergoing hip and wrist surgeries, the former world number 17 spent most of 2023 and parts of 2022 and 2024 away from tennis. So his victory over Djokovic was unexpected, especially considering his long hiatus. Now back in the ATP Top 100, Opelka’s confidence is soaring and the tennis community stands firmly behind him!

In the semifinals, Opelka faced Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and dominated with a remarkable performance, winning 85% of his first-serve points and saving all four break points he faced. Opelka secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory, marking his 100th tour-level win and advancing to his seventh final. However, things took a turn in the final match against Jiri Lehecka.

Opelka had to retire due to a back injury while trailing 4-1 in the first set. He later explained that he had been evaluated by both the tournament doctor and ATP physio throughout the day, but it was ultimately unsafe for him to continue. For the unversed, Opelka reached a career-high ranking of No. 17 in 2022 but faced injuries that required surgeries on his hip and wrist, leading him to criticize his first surgeon for leaving him with increased pain and nerve issues.

The loss in the final of the Brisbane International was a hard pill to swallow, but Opelka took it in his stride. “It’s a start🤍🇦🇺,” he wrote on Instagram. His fellow American players rallied behind him with support. Frances Tiafoe, who exited early at the same event, praised Opelka’s performance saying “Big Week.”

Ben Shelton and Jenson Brooksby also chimed in. Shelton shared a growth graph emoji 📈 while Brooksby sent a “🙏🏻💪🏻” Meanwhile, support also came from outside the court. Morgan Riddle, girlfriend of No. 4 Taylor Fritz, posted celebratory emojis “👏🏼🥳,” while Tennis Channel commentator Steve Weissman added “💪🏼🇺🇸” to cheer on Opelka’s promising start to the season.

Even former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs believes Opelka has what it takes to reach great heights this season.

Opelka’s stunning performance at the Brisbane International earns praises

Opelka’s performance at the Brisbane International delighted veteran coach Rennae Stubbs, who shared her excitement on Instagram, saying, “I’M TRULY SO HAPPY FOR THIS GUY! HE’S BEEN THRU HELL THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH HIS INJURIES AND THIS IS A GREAT STORY OF RESILIENCE! WELL DONE MATE.”

Not only Stubbs but even retired Australian legend, John Millman, boldly predicted a big 2025 season for the American star. After Opelka’s win against Djokovic, Millman tweeted, “Reilly Opelka operating at such a high level. Great seeing him back playing like this after such a long layoff. Year of the comeback from injury? Kyrgios, Opelka, Nishikori?”

With renewed confidence and a powerful serve, Opelka positions himself as a formidable competitor on the tour. In addition to his recent success, Opelka has begun training with Denis Kudla, who just wrapped up his United Cup run. Kudla announced on The Changeover Podcast that he officially retired and started coaching Opelka on December 1st. He expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “With Reilly what an opportunity, what an upside, what a player… so far, the relationship is awesome.”

This new partnership could provide Opelka with the support he needs to elevate his game. Do you think Kudla can help Opelka take his game to another level? Let us know in the comments below.