Reilly Opelka triumphed over qualifier Murphy Cassone with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 6-3, advancing to the second round of the Citi Open at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington on Monday. This victory marks Opelka’s perfect track record in first-round matches at Washington, improving his record to 5-0 since 2019.
Having previously reached a ranking as high as No. 17 in the world, Opelka is now positioned at No. 74. The match showcased flashes of his powerful game, reminiscent of the form that propelled him to significant victories, including a stunning upset over Novak Djokovic in the Brisbane final earlier this year.
For Cassone, the match represented a personal milestone as it was his first appearance in the ATP Tour main draw, highlighting his rapid ascent from outside the Top 800 less than a year ago.
The Citi Open is highlighted by American Taylor Fritz, who recently enjoyed a remarkable grass season, claiming titles in Stuttgart and Eastbourne, as well as reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon. Fritz leads a formidable lineup of players, including 15 other Americans, with top stars like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe participating. This follows a successful campaign by Sebastian Korda last year, which broke a 16-year drought for American men at this event.
The atmosphere at the ATP 500 in Washington promises high-stakes competition as the American players strive for further success on home soil. This growing U.S. dominance in tennis bodes well for the future of American tennis, with rising stars ready to take the spotlight.