USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2021; Boston, MA, USA; Reilly Opelka hits a forehand. Team Europe (Rublev and Zverev beat Team World (Opelka and Shapovalov) 6-2,7-6, 10-3 tie break to win the Laver Cup at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Richard Cashin-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2021; Boston, MA, USA; Reilly Opelka hits a forehand. Team Europe (Rublev and Zverev beat Team World (Opelka and Shapovalov) 6-2,7-6, 10-3 tie break to win the Laver Cup at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Richard Cashin-USA TODAY Sports
After an average performance in Indian Wells, Reilly Opelka has commenced his journey at the European Open. In his first match, the World No. 25 encountered Jenson Brooksby, who came under the limelight when he won the first set against Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 at the US Open.
While Opelka straight away entered the round of 32, Brooksby played the qualifying stages. After an exhausting round of tennis, the latter seized the match in straight sets.
During the match, Opelka looked helpless and frustrated as he couldn’t take a single set. Despite being an experienced player on the ATP tour, Opelka suffered a comprehensive loss in his first-round itself. Moreover, he also showed his annoyance during the match.
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Reilly Opelka was impressed by Jenson Brooksby
After an hour and twelve minutes, Brooksby booked an effortless victory against Opelka. During the match, Reilly Opelka really got frustrated as he didn’t even clinch a single set. In disappointment, he shouted,” How the f*** did Novak win a game against this guy in the first set (at US Open)?”
Sounds like @ReillyOpelka is definitely…urm…impressed by @brooksby_jenson 😅@eurotennisopen pic.twitter.com/M250OEANAj
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 19, 2021
Most certainly, Opelka was pretty much amazed and stunned at the same time with Brooksby’s performance. The fifth seed must have not expected this, as he has been doing well on the ATP tour lately.
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Brooksby vs Novak Djokovic at US Open 2021
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At this year’s Flushing Meadows, the World No.1 Novak Djokovic faced the American Jenson Brooksby in the round of 16. Djokovic, who anticipated a straight-set victory, lost the first set by a huge margin of 6-1. After this epic first set, fans across the stadium started loudly cheering for their local.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 6, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia (left) reacts after defeating Jenson Brooksby of the USA on day eight of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Unfortunately, the Serb showed his composure and won the next three sets, registering an easy victory after all. However, in the post-match interview, Djokovic applauded Brooksby’s potential and efforts.
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At European Open, the American’s next challenge is Botic van de Zandschulp in the quarter-finals. He had a good run at US Open, reaching the last 8 of the competition. It would be really demanding to see how these young lads approaches in their next encounter.
ALSO READ: “I Don’t Agree With Everything”: Andy Roddick Opens Up on Reilly Opelka’s Honest Take on Tennis
