Momentum has always been a propelling factor, even for the tennis greats to attain their top levels on the court. However, for players like Reilly Opelka, it seems like momentum and practice are merely words. Recently, the ATP star made a massive comeback in Newport, sending members of the tennis community on a wonder trip. Among the ones taken by surprise, Ben Shelton decided to come up with an expression.

Opelka recently found his way back into the tennis scene after being out for almost two years. The American ATP star faced Mackenzie McDonald in the Quarterfinals at the ATP grass-court tournament in Newport, Rhode Island. Despite being ranked 1,188th in the world, Opelka managed to defeat McDonald 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. This victory not only saved a spot for him in the semi-finals but also made him the lowest-ranked player to reach an ATP semi-final. During the match, Opelka registered massive stats by hitting 27 aces, with 19 of them in the second set alone.

As soon as everyone spectated the high-class action at Newport, fellow player and close friend, Shelton,  couldn’t contain his excitement about Opelka’s performance. He recently posted an Instagram story with a surprised selfie, writing, “How nasty is @reillyopelka at this sport…How does someone do this after 2 years not playing.”

Opelka’s remarkable performance in Newport includes wins over Constant Lestienne and Adrian Mannarino. His comeback becomes even more surprising because of his extensive absence from the sport due to serious health issues. Opelka had to undergo surgery for a benign tumor in his hip capsule along with two wrist surgeries that followed.

Shelton’s comment wasn’t just a player-to-player acknowledgment. The compatriots have known each other since their junior tennis days because of sharing a history of training together extensively at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. Shelton has often credited Opelka for his crucial influence and support, especially when he prepared for his Grand Slam debut at the 2023 Australian Open.

Opelka’s journey from feeling “terrible” to “really good”

Opelka had to go through a fair share of difficulties before finding his way to Newport. While his entry into the prestigious event brought multiple opportunities for him to regain the strength and support of the community, he used it well, making it to the semi-finals. However, besides extending a message with his performance, the ATP star also appeared in an interview, to present a summary of the daunting two years.

“I was just having pain all the time in my arm, my shoulder, my neck, my nerve. Flew all over the world to see specialists. I was in Germany to see a doctor. I went all over the world tirelessly trying to see anyone and everyone that could try to help. So I’ve been traveling the last eight months just seeing every specialist you can possibly imagine, throwing the kitchen sink at this thing,” he said, narrating the hassles of finding an aid for his injuries.

Summing up the whole experience and weighing it with his recent win, the American added, “I feel really good [now]. If you asked me two months ago, I would have told you terrible.” Reilly Opelka now looks forward to face Alex Michelsen in his upcoming showdown. As he has already made his mark, it is evident that all eyes will be on him.