The Australian Open continues this week with several exciting second-round matches on the schedule. Among those featured are Czech player Tomas Machac and American giant Reilly Opelka, who will face off at Melbourne Park.
Reilly Opelka, standing at 6 feet 11 inches, has had quite the tumultuous return to professional tennis after spending much of the last two years sidelined by injuries. Following the most challenging year of his career, where he played no matches at all in 2023, Opelka made headlines by reaching the final of the Brisbane International earlier this month, his first final appearance since 2021. Unfortunately, he had to retire during the final against Jiri Lehecka due to wrist issues. Nevertheless, Opelka managed to advance past Belgian contender Gauthier Onclin in the first round of the Australian Open, showcasing his renowned serving ability by firing 38 aces to secure his victory in four sets.
On the other hand, Tomas Machac has been steadily climbing the ranks, currently standing as the world No. 25. He began the Australian Open on solid footing, claiming victory over Sumit Nagal with relative ease, finishing with straight sets and impressive serve percentages. Machac's ascent has been marked by several encouraging results over the last year, including his first career final at the Geneva Open and progressing to the fourth round of the US Open. This match against Opelka will be their first encounter on the ATP circuit, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling clash between contrasting playing styles.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Machac is favored to win, with odds sitting at -275 compared to Opelka's +210. This matchup is garnering attention not only for the players involved but also for the intriguing dynamics presented by each athlete's playing style.
Machac's game exhibits agility and precision, contrasting sharply with Opelka's raw power and serving prowess. For those unfamiliar with tennis strategies, it is often said, "you can’t teach height," and Opelka’s towering stature gives him natural advantages on service returns. Yet, it is also about placement and stamina, areas where Machac has proven himself increasingly capable. To sustain any momentum, Machac must contend effectively with Opelka’s massive serve, capitalizing on any opportunities to force his opponent to play longer rallies.
Tommy Paul will also figure prominently this week as he faces the experienced Kei Nishikori. Paul, seeded 12th, endured a rigorous battle against Australian home favorite Christopher O’Connell to reach this stage, where he hit 66 winners but also accrued 62 unforced errors. Nishikori, the 35-year-old former US Open runner-up, continues to defy expectations with his resurgent performance after numerous injuries. His comeback story is underscored by reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open recently and boasting one of the best five-set match records of active players with 29 victories.
Despite Paul’s impressive defeat of O’Connell and the benefits his recent match experiences should provide, Nishikori leads their head-to-head battles, having won the only previous meeting. This adds extra layers of drama as Paul seeks to navigate Nishikori's aptly honed abilities throughout their encounter.
The stakes are high as players gear up for the second round of matches. Each competitor carries stories of resilience and strength paired with the relentless pursuit of individual goals. The fans eagerly await action reminiscent of the earlier rounds, which have consistently been both explosive and unpredictable.
The odds tilt toward Machac and Paul, but as both Opelka and Nishikori are known to defy expectations, it's anyone's guess how these matches will conclude. With everything on the line at the Australian Open, expect intensity to heighten both on the court and for viewers tuning in to witness the high-energy gameplay this Grand Slam always promises.
Match details: Tomas Machac vs. Reilly Opelka - January 15, 2025, at Melbourne Park, during the Australian Open.