Reilly Opelka Beats De Minaur, Advances in Cincinnati | ATP Tour
# Opelka Upsets De Minaur in Cincinnati, Reaches Third Round
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Reilly Opelka in action on Sunday in Cincinnati.
By Sam Jacot
Reilly Opelka is back in form, and he proved it in a big way on Sunday at the Cincinnati Open. The American snapped a frustrating five-match losing streak, delivering a stunning upset over World No. 8 Alex de Minaur 7-6(6), 6-4 to advance to the third round in Ohio.
## Ending the Skid Against a Tough Opponent
For Opelka, this victory wasn’t just about reaching the next stage of the tournament; it was about overcoming a mental hurdle. He had fallen in five previous Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters against de Minaur and was facing the possibility of losing to the same opponent six times – a feat he successfully avoided.Playing in challenging hot conditions, Opelka showcased the power and precision that define his game. He consistently went for big shots on return, and crucially, saved all seven break points he faced. This defensive solidity, combined with his aggressive offense, allowed him to secure the win in one hour and 41 minutes. ItS his ninth career victory over a Top 10 opponent, a testament to his potential when firing on all cylinders.
## Frist Set Battle and Key Moments
The first set was a tense affair, culminating in a nail-biting tie-break.De Minaur, arriving in Cincinnati with a Tour-leading 24 hard-court wins this season - including a recent title in Washington – proved a formidable opponent. Though,Opelka refused to yield. A massive forehand winner on return at 5/5 in the tie-break proved to be the turning point, giving Opelka the edge he needed to claim the opener.
the second set saw Opelka maintain his momentum, continuing to dictate play with his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes. He broke de Minaur’s serve once, enough to secure the set and the match.
## What’s Next for Opelka?
This win is a significant boost for opelka, who climbs nine spots to No. 64 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. He’ll now face Francisco Comesana in the third round, after the Argentine benefited from a retirement by 29th seed Luciano Darderi (4-6, 1-3).
For opelka, this Cincinnati run feels especially significant given his past success on North American hard courts.He reached the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto in 2021 and the fourth round of the US Open in the same year. if he continues to play with this level of intensity and precision, a deep run in Cincinnati – and beyond - is certainly within reach.
## Stats Spotlight: Opelka’s Offensive Power
The numbers tell a clear story: Opelka’s aggressive approach paid off. According to Infosys ATP Stats,he hammered 38 winners compared to just six from de minaur. This overwhelming difference in winner count highlights Opelka’s ability to take control of rallies and put immense pressure on his opponent. It’s a reminder of the firepower he possesses and the threat he poses when playing his best tennis.