It’s nothing less than a new life for Reilly Opelka! The former American tennis sensation has been away from the courts for what seems like an eternity due to multiple injuries and surgeries. But now, he’s back in action, making a highly anticipated return to the tennis arena this month. After such a long hiatus, and having missed the adrenaline rush of competitive play, you might expect him to be a bit rusty. However, Opelka is anything but that. He’s pumped up, ready to participate in the US Open, and he’s bringing some extra spice with him—salty gestures and all!

The 26-year-old engaged in an exclusive conversation with The Palm Beach Post and opened up about several aspects of his life, including his hiatus and his desire to participate in the US Open. He further revealed the reason behind using his protected ranking and expressed some dissatisfaction with the tournament organizers. 

He still remembers being 19, rising to 105th in the world, and being surprised that the USTA didn’t give him a wildcard. Speaking at the interview, Opelka said, “I can’t afford to take the risk at the U.S. Open,” when quizzed about using his protected ranking. Continuing further, he revealed, “I’ve never gotten a wildcard there.” He then decided to try qualifying by playing qualifiers but couldn’t succeed enough.

The American star has achieved some remarkable success on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows reaching the fourth round in 2021. However, he has been unable to play much since 2022, following his injuries.

It was at the 2022 Citi Open in Washington when Opelka played his last ATP match before making a comeback on Monday at the Newport Open. He opted for surgery in August of the same year, after struggling for a long time with hip pain. It was later revealed that he had a benign tumor which was worsening causing the troubles to him. While he was prepared to make a comeback in 2023, another tussle began with his wrist. 

Opelka was diagnosed with a subluxed tendon and opted for another surgery which ultimately didn’t go as planned. “I saw a bad surgeon,’’ Opelka said. “She messed up on the first one. It got infected. I was in excruciating pain. I couldn’t sleep at night, and had pain down my arm and hand. I needed a second surgery and that caused problems after a cast on my arm led to nerve issues.’’ While he tried to make a return in November last year, he was forced to withdraw after his first match itself. These challenges have granted the American some protected rankings.

The 6ft 11 inches tall player has 12 protected rankings that he can use. Currently standing at 1188, the former World No. 17 received a wildcard for the ongoing Newport Open and will use his protected ranking of 33 at the US Open. But these challenges had definitely made the American ponder about his future in the sport.

What caused Reilly Opelka to think of a new life outside tennis?

Opelka’s injury troubles made him think of a different venture outside the tennis courts. But it was not just his injuries, but a reliance on his abilities and determination that caused him to ponder more about starting something new. 

When quizzed if he thought of retirement, Opelka said, “I totally definitely did,” in the same interview. “I was ready to pivot. I’m pretty confident I’ll land in my feet. I’ve always landed on my feet in whatever I did. I think I’m good at making best of situations, and for me, I was ready to pivot.” 

While the American star definitely did not retire from the sport and continued with his battles, he has once again returned to the courts. He won his first two matches at the Newport Open and is all set to play the quarterfinals on Friday.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Reilly Opelka can do something exceptional and achieve big despite the injury-induced comeback.