Photo Source: TTV
Reilly Opelka earned his biggest career grass-court win on Friday at the Libema Open in the Netherlands, defeating 11th-ranked and top-seeded Daniil Medvedev 7-6(5), 7-6(5) to reach the semifinals.
“It’s been a good serving week, especially today,” Opelka said. “Today was definitely server’s conditions.”
Opelka, who was ranked 293 when he started the season at Brisbane in January, fired 24 aces and saved all three break points he faced as he got past Medvedev in 96 minutes.
Medvedev, feeling the pressure, hit three double-faults in the tiebreak, including the last one on match point, his fifth double-fault of the day clipping the tape and dropping wide.
“Any time you get through him it’s a great win,” said Opelka, adding: “his double-faults at the end were because of my serve. The pressure that I caused after serving so consistent for two hours straight.”
The Russian dropped just four points on first serve, but lost 16 of 30 against his second serve.
Opelka improves to 15-10 on the season, and reaches his 16th ATP semifinal.
Medvedev, who has not reached a final in 2025, drops to 19-12 on the season.
Opelka records his 18th career Top-20 win and his third of this season.
Opelka will face either Mark Lajal or Zizou Bergs in Saturday’s semifinal round. Gabriel Diallo and Humbert will clash in the lower half semifinal on the men’s side.