Opelka: "I need to serve better, tennis has changed a lot"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 21 Mar 2025 | 01.20

Reilly Opelka at the Miami Open 2025. Photo: Getty

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Debuting at the Miami Open 2025 with a victory against Christopher Eubanks, Reilly Opelka demonstrates that he wants to keep improving on the circuit. The American tennis player, ranked 114th in the world, secured his first win in a Masters 1000 event this season against a compatriot. Minutes later, Reilly sat down for an interview to discuss his recent victory, his expectations in the tournament, and areas he aims to enhance.

Serve versus Serve

"As it often happens, everything is decided in just a few points," Opelka confessed to the microphones of Tennis Channel. "I have a good record against big servers, I feel comfortable in matches without rhythm in the points. He does too, but I believe today I was able to clinch a couple of key points more, hitting big shots in crucial moments. That's why I had more break points."

What is he looking to improve?

"I need to serve better. After that wrist surgery, I've had many other issues in my arm. I'm trying to find that resilience. I haven't been able to win consecutive matches, very physically demanding encounters. I played a Challenger last week for that reason. I hope to step on the court and serve as strong as possible without having to worry about my arm or my back. That's the goal, and I believe I'm getting closer," Reilly affirmed.

"I can improve other aspects of my game, but they won't make the difference. I need to be one of the best in the world with my serve. That's how it was when I was playing at my best level in 2021 and 2022. It was the same for Isner when he was at his peak. It's good to enhance from the return or in movement, but that won't make the difference in my tennis."

Tennis Evolution

"Tennis has changed a lot in the time I've been away, the balls have changed a lot. That's why you don't see many big servers anymore; they have to play much more. I would love to increase my first serve percentage to get through all this, go above 75%, for them to tally up for me to hit two first serves, not a first and a second."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Opelka: "Necesito sacar mejor, el tenis ha cambiado mucho"