Reilly Opelka meets Argentine clay-court specialist Francisco Comesana this morning in the third round of the Cincinnati Open, a matchup that pits raw serving power against composed baseline craft.
Matchup overview
Opelka, the 27-year-old giant ranked No. 73, relies on a serve-first game ideally suited to the quick hard courts in Cincinnati. He’s 16-9 on faster hard courts this season and carried that form into his second-round upset of Alex de Minaur, hitting 14 aces to control serve and shorten points. Comesana, 24 and ranked around No. 71, is enjoying a second straight year in the top 100 and is hoping a deep week in Cincinnati pushes him toward the top 50. He comes into the match with the confidence of a recent deep run at the Rio Open, where he advanced to the semifinals with a big win over world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
This will be the first ATP Tour meeting between the two.
Keys to the match
– Opelka: Serve and rhythm. His ability to win quick service games and produce aces will be decisive. If Opelka avoids long stretches of return games and keeps the pressure on Comesana’s serve, he can dictate the tempo.
– Comesana: Return consistency and patience. Comesana must extend rallies, force Opelka off the lines and target his forehand side during service games to create break opportunities. The Argentine’s baseline composure and ability to handle pace will be crucial if he’s to neutralize Opelka’s serve.
Prediction
Opelka in two tight sets. Expect Opelka’s serving power to shape most games; Comesana’s best chance is to grind long rallies and capitalize on any lapses in Opelka’s service rhythm. If Opelka maintains his serve and first-serve percentage, he should close it in straight sets.
When and where
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM Eastern
Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, Ohio — Center Court
TV/Streaming: Tennis Channel (linear and streaming). The match may also be available on Tennis Channel’s streaming-only T2 feed and through the Tennis Channel app. Standalone Tennis Channel streaming subscriptions are offered directly by the channel.
Additional comments and context
– Serve percentage and return games won will likely decide the match. Opelka’s serve can be an equalizer, but he’s vulnerable in extended rallies where baseline specialists like Comesana can impose pressure.
– Weather and court speed at Cincinnati often favor big servers; however, if conditions slow or winds pick up, extended rallies could tilt the balance toward Comesana.
– A win for Comesana would be a significant statement on hard courts and could accelerate his push toward the top 50. For Opelka, advancing would reinforce his status as a dangerous opponent at big events when his serve is firing.
Short summary
Tall-serve specialist Reilly Opelka faces rising Argentine Francisco Comesana in their first ATP meeting in Cincinnati. Opelka’s power game and strong form on fast hard courts make him the favorite; Comesana’s steadiness from the baseline and recent Rio Open breakthrough give him a path to an upset. The match is scheduled for 11:00 AM ET on Center Court and will be available on the Tennis Channel and its streaming services.
Hopeful spin
This match offers a classic stylistic contrast and a chance for a young challenger to announce himself on a big stage. Regardless of the outcome, a competitive meeting could boost Comesana’s confidence on faster surfaces and keep Opelka’s momentum alive as he looks to translate his serving dominance into deeper runs at big events.