Photograph credit score – Dallas Open
Individuals Reilly Opelka and Brandon Nakashima might be in second-round motion on the ATP 250 event in Delray Seashore on Thursday, whereas teen sensation Learner Tien takes on Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
(WC) Reilly Opelka vs. (6) Brandon Nakashima
Reilly Opelka sits at No. 121 on the earth; it’s one of many extra misleading rankings in current reminiscence. The American, who’s lastly wholesome after a few years of accidents, surgical procedure and restoration, is taking part in unbelievable tennis to begin the 2025 season. He made the ultimate in Brisbane, knocking off Novak Djokovic en path to the title match and final week he carved a controversial path to the quarters in Dallas.
The Grandstand was on location in Dallas for a controversial determination in his second spherical match in opposition to Cam Norrie that had the American unloading on chair umpire Greg Allensworth.
Brandon Nakashima had a a lot tamer (and fewer profitable) Dallas Open. He misplaced within the first spherical to Yoshihito Nishioka. The No. 6 seed is off to a diabolical begin to the 2025 season with a depressing 2-4 document to indicate for his efforts. With the best way Opelka has been taking part in, it wouldn’t be thought-about a lot of an upset if he knocked Nakashima out.
(4) Matteo Arnaldi vs. (WC) Learner Tien
Most years, the Australian Open showcases a breakout expertise and this 12 months was no totally different. American teenager Learner Tien carved his method by way of 3 rounds of qualifying and dispatched 2024 finalist Daniil Medvedev on his method to the spherical of 16. Going into the occasion, Tien was ranked 121 on the earth. He shot up the rankings to No. 81 on the earth. Tien has performed no tournaments since he misplaced in Melbourne, so he has given no public indication how he would possibly react to the extra consideration.
Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi hasn’t been in notably good type to date this 12 months. Headed into Delray this week, the world No. 38 had received simply 3 matches in 3 tournaments, together with a primary spherical ouster on the Australian Open. He had a primary spherical bye, so this might be Arnaldi’s first match this week.
This represents a superb alternative for Tien to make his method to the quarterfinals. He had a primary spherical win over Aussie Adam Walton and his star is simply usually on the rise.
