Opelka Reaches Maiden Masters 1000 Semi-final
Reilly Opelka entered the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on a six-match losing streak, but he found his best level once again on Friday to reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.
The American saved all four break points he faced to overcome Argentine qualifier Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-6(2) after one hour and 41 minutes on Grand Stand Arena. Opelka, who is making his debut at the Foro Italico this week, has not dropped a set en route to the final four in the Italian capital.
“I am surprised [to reach my first Masters 1000 semi-final here]. Clay is not really my thing,” Opelka said in his post-match interview. “[It is] not much of an American thing. It is probably just a fluke, but I’ll run with it.”
[WATCH LIVE 1]Not only is Opelka yet to drop a set in Rome, he is yet to lose his serve. The 6’11” right hander has struck 77 aces and just four double faults en route to the semi-finals.
“I’ve definitely served well. I hit my spots really well today, especially in big moments,” Opelka said. “I think that has been critical. I have stayed calm [and on] big points, I have delivered.”
Opelka will meet nine-time champion Rafael Nadal or Alexander Zverev for a spot in the championship match. The World No. 47 has not met either player on the ATP Tour. Nadal and Zverev will be meeting for the second straight week after Zverev’s straight-sets win at the Mutua Madrid Open.
Delbonis was making his first appearance in a Masters 1000 quarter-final. The Argentine won five matches from qualifying to reach the last eight in Rome, which included wins against 12th seed David Goffin and #NextGenATP Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.