Opelka Upsets Medvedev to Reach Semifinals at Libema Open

‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Reilly Opelka produced his best serving performance of the year on Friday, upsetting top seed Daniil Medvedev 7-6(5), 7-6(5) to reach the semifinals of the ATP 250 Libema Open.

The 27-year-old American delivered 24 aces in a match lasting one hour and 36 minutes. Despite Medvedev leading 4-1 in the second-set tie-break, he succumbed to pressure, committing three double faults in consecutive service points.

“It’s been a good serving week, especially today,” Opelka said. “When it’s hot like this, the court starts to bounce a lot more and react to the different spins on my serve. Medvedev has been one of the best players in the world the past five years, so to get through him is a great win.”

Opelka, who is 2-4 in his career matchups against Medvedev, noted that the pressure he applied contributed to the latter’s double faults. “The pressure that I put on him after serving so well and consistently is what caused the three double faults at the end of the tie-break,” he added.

After losing in the final round of qualifying, Opelka is now the second lucky loser to advance to the semifinals in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, following in 2023. He will next face his compatriot, who defeated Lajal 7-6(2), 7-6(4) to reach the semifinals.

Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw, 23-year-old Canadian Alexis Diallo upset third seed Karen Khachanov 7-6(6), 6-4, securing his spot in the semifinals. Following this win, Diallo is projected to enter the ATP Top 50 for the first time. Prior to this tournament, he had yet to win a match on grass.

“I saved two match points to defeat a two-time finalist here,” Diallo said. “This week has been incredible for me.”

Diallo’s next opponent will be the second seed, who defeated his rival 6-1, 6-4 in just 67 minutes.