American Challenger Triumphs at Delray Beach Open

DELRAY BEACH, Florida, February 12, 2025 – American tennis player Reilly Opelka emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Christopher Eubanks at the ATP 250 Delray Beach Open on Tuesday, overcoming the challenge in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(7). This win marks Opelka’s continued dominance in the tournament where he previously took home the championship title in 2020.

The match showcased an intense battle of height, as both competitors stand among the tallest players on the ATP Tour, with Opelka measuring 6’11” and Eubanks at 6’7”. Opelka’s powerful serve and strong baseline play helped him fend off a set point in the second-set tiebreaker, ultimately sealing his victory on his third match point.

“I didn’t serve my best, not going to lie. My forehand stayed pretty under control tonight,” Opelka said following the match. “Pretty pleased with how I returned and how I hit my forehand even though my serve wasn’t at the best level it should be at.” With Tuesday’s victory, Opelka now holds a 3-0 lead in their head-to-head encounters.

In another pivotal match, American Mackenzie McDonald triumphed over former champion Kei Nishikori. In a closely contested three-set match lasting two hours and 32 minutes, McDonald secured his spot in the next round with a score of 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-5. “I really focused on each point and tried to stay in the moment, which paid off for me today,” McDonald reflected post-match.

Opelka is set to face sixth seed Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals, who is looking to improve on his already impressive 12-5 tournament record. Fritz, the top seed in Delray, cruised into the quarters after defeating his opponent with a commanding 7-6(4), 6-2 victory, dropping just one point on serve in the second set. “I’m super happy to get it done. He was playing really well, super tough first set,” Fritz noted after the match.

Also advancing after a grueling contest was Japanese player Yosuke Watanuki, who triumphed over lucky loser Marco Cecchinato, winning 6-2, 6-4 to reach the next round where he will face top-seeded Opelka. The competition continues to heat up as players battle for the championship title in the sunny backdrop of Delray Beach.