Resurgent Reilly Opelka looked virtually unbeatable earlier this year in Brisbane. After spending most of the previous two seasons on the sidelines due to his wrist injury, Opelka started the 2025 season with a bang! He stunned his “hero,” Novak Djokovic, in the QF of the Brisbane International by straight sets. Following that incredible win, he said, “I watched Novak become the greatest and through that two-year period off…I stayed the course when I was in a cast and on crutches, and was just hoping to have another chance out here like tonight.” Although he got a chance to clinch a title in Brisbane, he was forced to give a mid-match walkover in the final due to an injury. Following that incredible run, the American is yet to reach a final this year. Currently, he’s making a return to the French Open after almost three years. Can he beat Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the first round and make a winning start on Parisian clay?

Reilly Opelka vs Rinky Hijikata: Preview

Besides his superb performance in Brisbane, Reilly Opelka has reached the QFs at the Dallas Open and the Challenger Aix-en-Provence, FR this year. However, Opelka will be entering this contest following his two early exits in his previous two tournaments. His copatriot, Learner Tien defeated him in the first round of the Italian Open this year. Then it was followed by another defeat at the hands of Austria’s Sebastian Ofner by 5-7,6(2)-7 in the second qualifier of the Geneva Open. Can the 27-year-old American turn the fortunes in his favor at the ‘City of Lights’?

His opponent in this match, Rinky Hijikata, also had a decent start to his season, reaching the QF at the Adelaide International. But he was defeated in that match by America’s Tommy Paul. Following that, it has been a series of early exits for the Aussies, but he showcased a stellar performance at the Challenger Bordeaux this year. Hijikata reached the SF in that tournament, but in the semis, he was outclassed by the Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard by 5-7,6(5)-7.

Opelka vs Hijikata: Head-to-Head

Reilly Opelka has faced Rinky Hijikata only once in his career so far, and guess what? Their one and only meeting came in this season itself. The American had the last laugh in their first encounter. Hence, the H2H record is currently in favor of Opelka by 1-0.

• 2025 ATP Masters 1000 Madrid R128: Opelka 7-5.7-5.

Prediction: Opelka will win this match in straight sets

Reilly Opelka’s best record in this tournament has been reaching the third round in 2021. He has a 2-4 record at Roland Garros. However, Rinky Hijikata lost his first-round match in his main draw debut last year. If we look closely at the numbers, Opelka (95) has a win-loss record of 15-12 this season, 4-5 on clay. On the other side, the Hijikata (79) has recorded just 12-17, 4-6 on clay. However, despite all the factors favoring the American (including the H2H record), we must remember that the slower conditions at the Roland Garros could well work in favor of the Aussie. But is this enough to put him over the 6ft 11 inches tall lad?

Perhaps not! If we take a look at their playing styles, Hijikata is known for his versatile, all-court style, incorporating strong net play and aggressive baseline shots. He is good at capitalizing on opportunities at the net and can also use his athleticism and swift reactions to take full advantage of open spaces.

Conversely, Reilly Opelka’s game is primarily based on his powerful serves and ability to dictate rallies from the baseline. Being one of the tallest players on the Tour, his height allows him to generate a lot of power behind his serves, which helps him have an outstanding reach on the court. Talking about his serves, he has already hit 316 aces this season. How many more can he add at the end of this tournament? Time will tell! But other than his serves, Opelka also has a good volley and a strong backhand down the line. So, considering all these factors and keeping the numbers in mind, I’m picking the American as the probable winner in this contest.