Opelka Poses Early US Open Threat To Alcaraz, Says Rubin

James

3 min read

Post on Aug 25, 2025

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Opelka Poses Early US Open Threat to Alcaraz, Says Rubin

American Reilly Opelka could be a dangerous early-round opponent for Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, according to tennis analyst and former player, Jonathan Rubin. The towering American's powerful serve and aggressive baseline game present a unique challenge for the young Spaniard, especially in the potentially tricky early stages of the tournament.

This prediction comes as Alcaraz begins his quest for a second Grand Slam title, following his Wimbledon victory. The pressure is on the world number one, and a surprise early exit would send shockwaves through the tennis world. But Rubin's assessment highlights a specific threat that many might overlook: the potent serve and volley game of Reilly Opelka.

Opelka's Unique Game Style: A Potential Alcaraz Kryptonite?

Opelka's game is built around his colossal serve. Standing at 6'11", he consistently delivers aces and forces weak returns, giving him a significant advantage on his serve. This power game, combined with his increasingly solid baseline play, makes him a difficult opponent for anyone, let alone a player like Alcaraz who thrives on long rallies. While Alcaraz possesses incredible court coverage and a potent forehand, neutralizing Opelka's serve will be a significant challenge.

Rubin explains, "Alcaraz is phenomenal, but Opelka's serve is a weapon unlike anything Alcaraz has faced consistently. If Opelka gets into a rhythm early, it could be a very short match for Alcaraz." This highlights the potential for an upset, particularly in the early rounds where players might be still finding their footing on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.

Beyond the Serve: Opelka's Evolving Game

While his serve remains his most potent weapon, Opelka has demonstrably improved his baseline game in recent years. He's no longer solely reliant on his serve; he's actively looking to dictate points from the baseline, adding another layer of complexity to his game. This evolution makes him a more complete player and a more dangerous opponent, potentially capable of pushing Alcaraz to his limits.

The US Open's Significance and Potential Upsets

The US Open is notoriously unpredictable. The fast hard courts can favor powerful servers, increasing the likelihood of upsets. This year, the pressure is even higher on Alcaraz given his recent dominance and the expectations surrounding him. An early-round loss to Opelka wouldn't be unprecedented, as the tournament has seen several major upsets in recent years. This adds to the intrigue surrounding a potential matchup and emphasizes the importance of Alcaraz's preparation.

Conclusion: A Potential David vs. Goliath Scenario

The potential clash between Alcaraz and Opelka has the makings of a classic David versus Goliath story. While Alcaraz is the undisputed favorite, Opelka possesses the tools to cause a significant upset. The US Open is known for its surprises, and this potential matchup adds another layer of excitement and uncertainty to the tournament. Will Alcaraz navigate this potential threat, or will Opelka deliver a stunning early-round victory? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates and exciting coverage of the US Open!

Keywords: US Open, Carlos Alcaraz, Reilly Opelka, Jonathan Rubin, Tennis, Grand Slam, Upset, Serve, Baseline, Hard Court, Tennis Prediction, US Open 2024 (adjust year as needed)