ATP Masters Toronto: Final! Reilly Opelka wrestles down Stefanos Tsitsipas
Reilly Opelka is surprisingly in the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto. The American beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6: 7 (2), 7: 6 (4) and 6: 4 in a marathon match on Saturday.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Aug 14, 2021, 11:45 pm
The first chance of this game had Reilly Opelka, who, with a score of 1: 1, had two break chances when Tsitsipa served. However, the Greek was able to prevent both of these and was shaken awake by this early wake-up call - as a result, the world number three barely affords a lack of concentration in his service games.
Slowly the pressure on the service giant Reilly Opelka rose, who was able to solve some dicey situations towards the end of the first set, but above all through variable service play and courageous net forays. In the tie-break, however, the pressure from Tsitsipas' became too great, the Greek came more and more often to the rallies when Opelka served, and more and more often these went to the 23-year-old. The consequence: round one went to Tsitsipas in a clear tie-break.
Strong performance by Tsitsipas
In the second set, Reilly Opelka was initially the slightly better player. The American served as strong as a bear (in the meantime Opelka made 14 points for its own service in a row) and also set Tsitsipa's fragrance brands with a premium. However, the Greek was able to thwart the only break ball with one-two punch and a net edge. After a marathon service game by Opelka and a very fast game by Tsitsipas, it was clear that the second round also had to be decided in the tie-break.
In this it was now up to Reilly Opelka to put his stamp on the game. First, the giant got the first mini-break with a sensational forehand-inside-out cracker, but Tsitsipas was able to equalize this after a simple mistake by the American. Not so a few moments later: The Greek first made a double fault, then hit a backhand only on the frame. And Opelka? He sent the game into a decision set.
Waiting for the final opponent
In the third set, Stefanos Tsitsipas initially had the upper hand and a little later his first break chance of the game. However, Opelka thwarted this "in style" with a successful serve and volley. Immediately afterwards, the American broke something out of nowhere. The decision in this game. Tsitsipas received a code violation for coaching and "ball abuse" and started the following service game with a 0:15 handicap. A comeback was no longer possible for the world number three in this match, Opelka ultimately won 6: 7 (2), 7: 6 (4) and 6: 4.
It is the first final for Reilly Opelka at the ATP Masters 1000 level. In the final, the 23-year-old is now waiting for the winner of the duel between Daniil Medvedev and John Isner.