Reilly Opelka Makes Triumphant Return, Upsets Djokovic in Brisbane

Reilly Opelka, the towering American tennis star, made a stunning return to the ATP Tour by reaching the final of the Brisbane International in January 2025. The 6’11” player, who had been sidelined for nearly two years due to a wrist injury, defeated 99-time tour-level titlist Novak Djokovic en route to the final, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey.

Opelka’s resurgence was fueled by a revamped serve and renewed confidence, attributes highlighted by his new traveling coach, Denis Kudla. Kudla, a recently retired player, emphasized Opelka’s potential, drawing parallels to rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. “I saw Perricard rise from No. 300 to 30 in the world, and I told Reilly there’s no reason he can’t do the same,” Kudla told ATPTour.com.

Despite falling short in the final due to a back injury, Opelka’s performance in Brisbane signaled his return to form. The 27-year-old, who once ranked as high as No. 17 in the world, showcased his signature serve, averaging 17.9 aces per match throughout his career. “My focus now is on my body,” Opelka said. “Once I have my serve back, I can play more freely from the baseline.”

Kudla, who joined Opelka’s team in December, expressed confidence in his charge’s ability to compete with the best. “He’s virtually unbeatable when he’s playing good tennis,” Kudla said. “He has every tool in the game—it’s just about believing and executing.”

Opelka’s comeback was also supported by his long-time coach, Jay Berger, who has been instrumental in his development. Berger and Kudla have worked closely to refine Opelka’s technique, particularly his serve, which has been a cornerstone of his success. “All we have to do is make sure he believes in himself,” Kudla added.

With his sights set on climbing the rankings, Opelka’s return to the tour has been a welcome development for tennis fans. His performance in Brisbane, including a victory over Mpetshi Perricard, demonstrated that he remains a formidable opponent capable of challenging the sport’s elite.