“Have Zero Safety Concerns”: Reilly Opelka Lauds US Open 2020 For Strict Coronavirus Protocols

World No. 39 Reilly Opelka is eagerly looking forward to the US Open 2020 after a five-month-long suspension of the tour due to the pandemic. The 22-year-old has started his campaign at the Western and Southern Open with a straight-sets victory over Cameron Norrie.

During an interview with Flager Live, Reilly Opelka spoke about the uncertainty which prevailed over the last few months where he didn’t have any idea about when the ATP Tour would resume.

“For a long while I wasn’t mentally sharp at all, because we had no idea when we’d get to play again, I was just so not motivated, because we had no idea if we’d play again this year, or when. So I practiced but my head wasn’t in it until we really knew for sure we’d get to come back.” said Opelka during the telephonic interview.

Opelka excited for the upcoming season and US Open 2020

The American is elated that players finally have a planned tennis calendar ahead of them considering the ambiguity over the schedule. “I’m super excited we actually have, like, a real schedule finally,” Opelka said. “We’re playing these two tournaments in New York, then onto the clay and Europe, then some indoor tournaments. It’s great I finally feel like (the ATP) has a direction.” 

When asked about the strict protocols at the US Open 2020, Opelka remarked “I’m honestly not worried at all about getting sick. I have zero safety concerns. I think I have a better chance of dying on an airplane than (Covid-19). We’re all following the guidelines and doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”

The 6’11 Reilly Opelka is the tallest player on the ATP tour and awaits the winner of Diego Schwartzman/Casper Ruud in his second round at the Cincinnati Masters. Opelka won his second ATP title at the Delray Beach Open in February this year. He defeated Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in the final.