ok now I can admit Opelka has really gone up a level this year, to win in this fashion against Perricard is no joke, to be honest I thought perricard would win easy, I had him on Stake but im not too mad because I got to watch some fantastic Tennism thats all that matters to me 😁
I’ve probably watched 20-30 Opelka matches, including in person when he first turned pro as a teenager. I have never seen him move like this, it’s incredible. He really worked his butt off during his recovery.
Neither, he has definitely worked on a few key things, maybe the physio work required after the surgeries spurred on a new training strategy that benefits his movement!
Dimitrov always plays beutifull tennis, it is sad to see him have to a quit such an interesting match because of an injury. I hope he recovers in time for the AO and has a great season ahead of him!
He was like this already a long time ago, time before the injury. Good baseline skills and movement. He has now returned to that pre-injury level. Hopefully he can remain healthy and develop even further.
@@al1976-v7mThat cracks me up 😂 Though the intention is likely rather distraction. Those monotone, high pitched grunts don't intimidate anyone. "Ehh, ehhh!" Some players at least have a funny grunt like "Prööht, pröhht, uuäähh!" Seriously, I don't remember which player that was but I had to laugh 15 minutes before being annoyed again while I was watching that match.
Congrats to Opelka. He played amazingly well. And very commendable of Mpetshi Perricard to swallow his disappointment and congratulate Opelka at the net like a true gentleman.
Opelka's return to the courts simehow reminded me of Roger's 2017 resurgence, playing out of their minds with new improved aspects : Federer with his neo backhand and The American and his movement around the court!
It is actually big fun just watching Opelka serve, he has so much variety, different spins... can bend the ball in ways that seem impossible 😁That is truly entertaining
Opelka has been playing great, hitting big serves and powerful groundstrokes without missing many. Mpetshi rarely plays an opponent who can match his power.
Opelka no longer with W. Pro Staff? What stick is he playing with, is it a Tecnifibre, or even a Whiteout(Solinco)? Anyway, what a massive game, really enjoyable to watch!
@@zweigackroyd7301 The pressure of the serve plays a part troughout the match, not just the serve itself. Its a big backup for Opelka and oppressive for opponent.
He’s too tall for tennis. Just move him around the court. Djokovic lost a bit his edge. The real test is against Sinner or Alcaraz. Don’t think he has a chance.
Watching these two big men run around is impressive ‼Opelka is a better athlete then I thought. Could have been a great basketball player as well. Perricard is a force to be reckon with in '25
Wow, that's how tennis is played among giants!! I am glad young audiences can watch serve and volley again... It's very rare nowadays and Perricard does it well.
GMP missed a passing shot at 4:24 (I know it was a big point in the match) and looked disappointed. If he passed Opelka it would have been shot of the year. No way he should expect to make it even remotely tough from that far back
Real MVP goes to those tennis balls used in Opelka vs GMP match somehow managed to stay in one piece! Reilly fought fire with more firepower. The amount of kinetic energy applied on impact on balls from those two players is just mindboggling.
Really good to see Opelka and Nishikori healthy and playing at a high level again. Both have a chance to win a title tomorrow. Nishikori already back in the top 100 and hoping to see Opelka as well as Carreno Busta and Cilic climb up the rankings this year
Reily setting up a new standard in tennis!! Tall, super good above the head, can attack from both wings and now also can move!!! 😅 nobody can beat him if he keeps playing this level of tennis! Its a pleasure to watch and I want to see more and more of those rockets!! 🚀 🚀 😂😅🎉 👏😊
As a newcomer to the tennis game, I don't know this Opelka. But I like him, despite the fact that he's American, much better and more likeable than Fritz! And with his long hair and beard/cap, he also brings in a different style - I really like that! I can't wait to see what happens next and of course I'm glad GMP is out (I just don't like him). This Opelka is also very calm, exciting!
Nice attacking play from all 4 players, shots way more powerful than those of the long rallies freaks like Rune ... (and also more decent net play etc)
The battle of the giants! Lol. Opelka ❤💐 welcome back buddy. The banana shot at 2nd set 3-3 ad made me scream-giggle if that’s even a thing. 😮💨 knew 2025 was gonna be hot. 🥵 Opelka is here we’re not ready! He’s going to serve some Top 10 a very nice breakfast. 😂can’t wait.
3:07 uma das melhores madeiradas que já vi, bela bola. Certeza que não pegou duas vezes na raquete dele. Ou pegou uma, ou pegou cinquenta, mas duas não.
Yes I agree , but still they have choice too schedule which tournaments too play and rest . Has It's in their hands too choose the right tournament suiting their game and rest when needed.
@@understandinglife2481no they don't if they want to be increasing their ranking and making the draw for big events like grand slams and masters. 1. If they don't play full time others will and their ranking will drop. 2. They "top players" are forced to play a minimum number of mandatory tournaments
a solution could be a minor prize money and more tournments with more range and number of players.....we have SO MANY big players around the world, why less than 0,01 have to really earn money playing.... and being serious injuried but with questions in quality of life
The players love to complain about this, but it doesn't stop them playing United Cup and Exhibitions for the money. If they were willing to do that, I'd take the complaints seriously.
So glad Opelka is back with a great level, hope he stay in good shape now, and let's get the title!!
@@chasesmith3041 What does that mean? He likes tradesperson work with tools?
@@chasesmith3041 wdym a tool
Does he have any GS titles?
@@potatoar7564 I was asking the same thing
@@excalibur-w9c Does he have to ?
ok now I can admit Opelka has really gone up a level this year, to win in this fashion against Perricard is no joke, to be honest I thought perricard would win easy, I had him on Stake but im not too mad because I got to watch some fantastic Tennism thats all that matters to me 😁
Perricard is way better I have no idea how he lost
Opelka gonna win the open playing like this, what a guy xD
it was a nice game thats for sure
damn. stake is running ads in the youtube comments now. we are doomed!
Opelka is playing like a top 10 player right now at least.
his backhand improved so much, even overpowering Novak yesterday on some rallies, that used to be his weakness
Imagine Karlovic with those groundies
Pink cap + pink shoes = God mode Opelka
Ahah yes sure. He's playing like a top 50 with a great serve
Better than some honestly he toyed with Novak
So pumped for Reilly. Hope he plays this well through the Summer and has a good Aus Open run
I’ve probably watched 20-30 Opelka matches, including in person when he first turned pro as a teenager. I have never seen him move like this, it’s incredible. He really worked his butt off during his recovery.
Neither, he has definitely worked on a few key things, maybe the physio work required after the surgeries spurred on a new training strategy that benefits his movement!
Dominating win against someone so high in confidence. Opelka is looking dangerous.
What happens when you beat Djokovic 😅
@ True that win has skyrocketed his confidence.
It's not often Perricard has to look up at someone at the net at the handshake. 😂
It's to hard to figt with monster 😏
He is not the tallest player ever, I mean Zverev, Eubanks, Raonic, Anderson, Diallo are all 2 meters, some of them a little bit more
@@FrankHor101 I didn't say he was but 2.03m is still very tall. Zverev is 1.98m. Raonic is 1.96m.
So this one is 2,11 ...@@FrankHor101
He can play NHL, or something else ...
@@FrankHor101 Neither Zverev nor Raonic are 2m tall. You can look this stuff up. And it is not relevant to the comment.
5:12 Opelka making Perricard look short!
Lololol.
Now imagine Baez standing next to both of them 🤣
@@timovangalen1589 Or Schwartzman
Dimitrov always plays beutifull tennis, it is sad to see him have to a quit such an interesting match because of an injury. I hope he recovers in time for the AO and has a great season ahead of him!
Recovery, I doubt it ,
Unlikely, he's had these recurring injuries for a while, age seems to creep in. Unlikely to get better in Bo5 matches...
Opelka as been re born, going to be a big threat at AO playing like this, forehand and serve is monstrous
Unlikely he will get far and if he does he will be destroyed by the likes of Sinner.
hop of his tip
Looks like i really miss talked earlier. Opelka is on fire! Doesn’t look like only a servebot anymore
He is finally willing to rally 🔥👏
He was like this already a long time ago, time before the injury. Good baseline skills and movement. He has now returned to that pre-injury level. Hopefully he can remain healthy and develop even further.
@@carolysigar5311 He has always been willing to rally, but he's improved those skills.
@@ntnnottrue but i’ve never seen him move this well
Loved the lack of fist pumps, grunts, yelling etc of the Opelka -Mpetshi Perricard match. A throwback to the great matches of the 1960s.
Frrr
You were alive in the 60’s
True ❤
When you're 6' 11" there's no need to intimidate an opponent with grunting.
@@al1976-v7mThat cracks me up 😂
Though the intention is likely rather distraction. Those monotone, high pitched grunts don't intimidate anyone. "Ehh, ehhh!" Some players at least have a funny grunt like "Prööht, pröhht, uuäähh!" Seriously, I don't remember which player that was but I had to laugh 15 minutes before being annoyed again while I was watching that match.
Reilly is in destroyer mode...wow!
Like no Human ....😏
Congrats to Opelka. He played amazingly well.
And very commendable of Mpetshi Perricard to swallow his disappointment and congratulate Opelka at the net like a true gentleman.
GMP is a good sport, unlike Mensik lol
Opelka playing better and better with each match in this tournament. Proud of this dude. Would love to see him go deep at AO.
He wont even qualify lol
Opelka was injured in this match but still came up with some incredible shots and won. Amazing! Let's hope he stays fit and healthy!
Already ? Damn I thought he just returned from Injury
Which injury ? 🙄
@@stangreen3007 Wrist injury. He took a medical timeout in the first set.
@alexanderpruger5337 aok. I didnt see the medical time out, even if it means nothing
wonderful opelka!!!!. he really leveled up his skills this year
Opelka vs Mpetshi Perricard. What a match.. they just destroying those balls! 🔥🔥🔥
I love both guys. They're a breath of fresh air and fun to watch. No dramas, no tantrums 👏👏
No tantrums like Frauderer 😂😂
Interesting tactics from Opelka, going down the middle a lot. Think he had a well thought out game plan.
He did that against Djokovic too. Makes sense. A guy with his reach will be difficult to pass at the net if the opponent can't create any angles.
So happy to see him back. Mahn just love to see Opelka play 🔥 hope he has a good year ahead
Like a big Bull. 😏
Opelka's return to the courts simehow reminded me of Roger's 2017 resurgence, playing out of their minds with new improved aspects : Federer with his neo backhand and The American and his movement around the court!
yo those serves sounded like cannons
such a great, humble, sweet, non-aggressive but kind giant heart Opelka - it is impossible not to love him!
Both Opelka and Mpetshi are powerhouses with massive service games but it was Opelka coming up with the win with his ground strokes. Well done Opelka.
Hope Opelka's wrist is fine
It is actually big fun just watching Opelka serve, he has so much variety, different spins... can bend the ball in ways that seem impossible 😁That is truly entertaining
Opelka has been playing great, hitting big serves and powerful groundstrokes without missing many. Mpetshi rarely plays an opponent who can match his power.
Wait, did Opelka say “motherf….” at the end at 5:05
I think so 💀 Nice guess btw...
No
Yes he did 😂😂
@@onnoede7515 no he is not
Lol! Someone else (commentator) caught that too! They said it was not aimed at Perricard but at someone in the stands. Probably a French heckler! 😂
WOWWWWWWW, Opelka is ON POINT. LETS GOOOOOOOO
Great to see Reilly in action again, don't forget he beat Fritz and ended up winning the junior Wimbledon's title 10 yrs ago.
yeah..still remember same year, fritz n tommy also won slam juniors.
Opelka no longer with W. Pro Staff? What stick is he playing with, is it a Tecnifibre, or even a Whiteout(Solinco)? Anyway, what a massive game, really enjoyable to watch!
Tecnifibre Tfight
Seeing Opelka's murderous form, I am now convinced that Novak has not declined and it is only a case of succumbing to a player on a roll.
A massive server can always take out top players. Just look at the famous Nadal-Brown match.
@@ronm7114 Djokovic was not taken out by a massive serve. Opelka outplayed him from the baseline.
@@zweigackroyd7301 No he did not. He had some very good shots from baseline but his serve was one of th best mach servings in his career.
@@milanm403 All you have to do is watch the match, but then facts might get in the way of your preferred belief.
@@zweigackroyd7301 The pressure of the serve plays a part troughout the match, not just the serve itself. Its a big backup for Opelka and oppressive for opponent.
Opelka looking like the Final Boss!
Love watching Opelka playing. He hits so well on the run, and returns really well. Seems a super nice guy too. Hope he goes deep in ao.
Imagine the difficulty to play such a tall guy with monster serves.
Ask Djokovic. 😅
He’s too tall for tennis. Just move him around the court. Djokovic lost a bit his edge. The real test is against Sinner or Alcaraz. Don’t think he has a chance.
@@rudolfdaher If Opelka brings his Brisbane form vs. Sincaraz - he’ll cook ‘em both. Straight sets.
I couldn't believe it when Murray lobbed him in Sydney last year 🤣
@@rudolfdaherVery true, you need to keep this tall guy moving, but that's not an easy task.
Watching these two big men run around is impressive ‼Opelka is a better athlete then I thought. Could have been a great basketball player as well. Perricard is a force to be reckon with in '25
Wow, that's how tennis is played among giants!! I am glad young audiences can watch serve and volley again... It's very rare nowadays and Perricard does it well.
Never seen Reilly hit the ball that hard on both wings, dude seems to be on a mission post his injury. Hope he gets the better of Jiri in the final.
GMP missed a passing shot at 4:24 (I know it was a big point in the match) and looked disappointed. If he passed Opelka it would have been shot of the year. No way he should expect to make it even remotely tough from that far back
Real MVP goes to those tennis balls used in Opelka vs GMP match somehow managed to stay in one piece!
Reilly fought fire with more firepower. The amount of kinetic energy applied on impact on balls from those two players is just mindboggling.
Yes. Opelka is more experienced and had more power than GMP. And his movement is better than GMP's movement around the court.
Really good to see Opelka and Nishikori healthy and playing at a high level again. Both have a chance to win a title tomorrow. Nishikori already back in the top 100 and hoping to see Opelka as well as Carreno Busta and Cilic climb up the rankings this year
Loved how Opelka dropped his racquet down on his bag after the 1st set win change over. Pure, raw, Business!
Reily setting up a new standard in tennis!! Tall, super good above the head, can attack from both wings and now also can move!!! 😅 nobody can beat him if he keeps playing this level of tennis! Its a pleasure to watch and I want to see more and more of those rockets!! 🚀 🚀 😂😅🎉 👏😊
As a newcomer to the tennis game, I don't know this Opelka. But I like him, despite the fact that he's American, much better and more likeable than Fritz! And with his long hair and beard/cap, he also brings in a different style - I really like that! I can't wait to see what happens next and of course I'm glad GMP is out (I just don't like him). This Opelka is also very calm, exciting!
Sad to see Dimitrov have to retire with another injury. He was dealing with a groin injury last year, and now a hip
Nice attacking play from all 4 players, shots way more powerful than those of the long rallies freaks like Rune ... (and also more decent net play etc)
Fun tennis to watch.
How it should be played, going for kill ea times.
Unlike endless boring rallies of the top 10.
Bravo Opelka 👏👏👏
What a beast Opelka! Please win the title!!
They forgot about Opelka! He is not just server. Super good off the ground and quicker than he looks!
How many balls did those big guys destroyed?😂amazing! Great tennis
Wow Opelka, wow wow! And he seems to be humble. I hope he will win the tournament!
I really want Dimitrov to catch a break, he is such a great player who seems like he could be winning grand slams.
I hope Opelka can keep this form through this year ❤ his shots like rockets 😮
Opelka played very well. 👏👏👏👏👏. It is very sad to see Dimitrov leaving the match in the middle. Good Luck in Future.
The battle of the giants! Lol. Opelka ❤💐 welcome back buddy. The banana shot at 2nd set 3-3 ad made me scream-giggle if that’s even a thing. 😮💨 knew 2025 was gonna be hot. 🥵 Opelka is here we’re not ready! He’s going to serve some Top 10 a very nice breakfast. 😂can’t wait.
OP is amazing. MP is amazing. So sad for Dmitrov. 😔
I hope Perricard paves his way into the top 10, tennis needs players who bring something different to the table right now.
I'm sure he will if he can avoid being plagued by injuries. He is still inexperienced so we'll give him time.
Opelka full energetic with powerful smart playing
I’d say he’s the opposite of full energetic. He’s a gentle giant with a stone cold straight face of a killer. No real emotion
Opelka has improved so much, so cool to see.
opelka...welcome back...amazing wins back to back!!!!
Back to his oldself! Well done Reilly! In this form, a force to be reckon with!
Everyone's making guesses about how top ten players are going to do in 2025 but nobody talked about Opelka!
Throughout the match my eyes 👀 got stuck on serving speed board😂. I mean both players are capable to produce 240 kmh serve
Opelka looks fantastic to secure another title.
Holy shit what did they feed Opelka during the preseason? He is actually moving well and hitting some amazing ground strokes
The last point is INCREDIBLE 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Reilly is a freaking studdd . Has the most gangster game on tour!
3:07 uma das melhores madeiradas que já vi, bela bola. Certeza que não pegou duas vezes na raquete dele. Ou pegou uma, ou pegou cinquenta, mas duas não.
Opelka fait un excellent retour sur les courts. Bravo 👏
it’s alright mpetshi…you’ll come back stronger and hopefully perform better through the summer!!
there’s still gonna be winter and spring before summer my guy
@@oleksandrfedoriv It's summer in Australia, even though, yes, from the global, world perspective of the ATP Tour, it's the winter season.
Opelka is moving better and striking the ball more cleanly than he ever has in his career
Big man can do anything.😮
Opelka !! daaamn well done....seems he has retired from Lumberjacking or filling in as the Sasquatch double...but what a perfomance !! brilliant !
Well done Gigantor, I hope he wins the title!
Opelka looks like a grand slam champ. Good for him.
Riley's really putting the OP in Opelka this week!
These players really underestimate the importance of drop shots.
I don't understand why?
Lehcheka is delightful to watch.
Clash of giants!! Also hope Dimi gets better for AO
SO happy for Opelka!
6:12 dat take back doe Grisha 🔥🔥🔥😁
I love both of these guys - great power tennis. Welcome to the next level 😂😂
Mann.. I already wrote Brisbane along with basel and lyon to GMP ATP cabinet... But np. Go reilly and take your Brisbane 🏆. Totally deserved
Lehecka will be a stern test, that guy can hit big as well
Dimi is getting fragile now☹️. Wishing him all the best in AO open👌
Long time ago to see two big server in action sampras karijack like
Sampras is the GOAT
4:06 was an underrated return imo.
With the ATP tour schedule's intensity, it's no wonder many players are struggling with injuries.
Yes I agree , but still they have choice too schedule which tournaments too play and rest . Has It's in their hands too choose the right tournament suiting their game and rest when needed.
@@understandinglife2481no they don't if they want to be increasing their ranking and making the draw for big events like grand slams and masters. 1. If they don't play full time others will and their ranking will drop. 2. They "top players" are forced to play a minimum number of mandatory tournaments
Didn't stop most of the top players playing in non tour/exhibition events in November/December though. They didn't want to rest and give up the $$$$$$
a solution could be a minor prize money and more tournments with more range and number of players.....we have SO MANY big players around the world, why less than 0,01 have to really earn money playing.... and being serious injuried but with questions in quality of life
The players love to complain about this, but it doesn't stop them playing United Cup and Exhibitions for the money. If they were willing to do that, I'd take the complaints seriously.
He makes players look small and slow on the court!! What a beast Reily is!!! 😅
this man opelka looks unbelievable, it's so fun to watch 🤣 how is he moving like that at 6'11 and freaking smashing the ball
😮 Relly "el leñador" Opelka esta on fire 🔥
Opelka is moving well
The traditional duel between bigservers.
Wishing Dimitrov a speedy recovery
When Kong finally faced Godzilla ❤
😄😄😄👍
I heard opelka had dinner with novak after last match.. i think he ate some of Novak's return game recipe...
Opelka is no tall serve bot, dude is really talented insane shotmaking!
So happy for Opelka 👍
This is the real Next Gen!
Giants like these.®️
190 is not gonna be enough in the future. 😇
Opelka hits the ball SO hard...😖😣😟
Dimitrov's backhand slice is too high and doesn't sting... He needs to lean more into that shot.