Reilly Opelka Makes a Massive Rankings Jump Following US Open 2021 Success

In his third appearance at the US Open, Reilly Opelka advanced to the third round with a straight sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti. Although the first set went to a tie-breaker, the American faced lesser difficulty in the next two sets to secure victory over his Italian opponent.

His run in Flushing Meadows adds to a string of impressive performances in recent times. And in the next update of the ATP Rankings, the joint tallest player on the tour will break into the Top 20 for the first time in his career.

Reilly Opelka to make debut appearance in Top 20 of the ATP Rankings

Opelka, who turned 24 last Saturday, put together a good run of results prior to the US Open. At the National Bank Open, the American reached the final. Although he lost to Daniil Medvedev, Opelka beat Grigor Dimitrov, Roberto Bautista Agut and Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to the final.

Although he suffered a first-round exit in Wimbledon, the American reached the semifinals of the Italian Open. In addition, the current World No. 24 also reached the third round in the French Open, where he lost to Medvedev.

At the US Open, the 24-year-old defeated Kwon Soon-Woo in straight sets to kick off his US Open campaign. Earlier today, the American notched a victory over Musetti to advance to the third round. And with Alex De Minaur suffering a shock first-round exit earlier, Opelka will become the new World No. 19 this Monday.

Sep 2, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Reilly Opelka of the United States serves against Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in a second round match on day four of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

In fact, his five-place jump sees Gael Monfils drop out of the Top 20 as well. Along with Opelka, Bautista Agut will re-enter the Top 20 as well.

READ MORE: “Have to Use the Bathroom”: Reilly Opelka Sides With Stefanos Tsitsipas Over US Open 2021 Toilet-Break Row

Opelka to face Nikoloz Basilashvili in the third round of the US Open

The American will face the unseeded Georgian for the first time in his career. Basilashvili’s victory over Maxime Cressy earlier today confirmed his spot in the third round against the tall American.

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Should Opelka notch another victory, he will secure his best-ever finish in a Grand Slam tournament. However, he could face 7th seed Denis Shapovalov in the fourth round of the hard court Grand Slam.

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