At the Brisbane International 2025, American tennis player Reilly Opelka was forced to retire from the final due to persistent back issues. The match, which was against Jiří Lehečka, ended prematurely with Lehečka leading 4-1 in the opening set.
Opelka, who had been enjoying a remarkable comeback after overcoming surgeries on his hip and wrist, faced a tough battle with his back throughout the tournament. Despite his incredible victories over top players like Novak Djokovic and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, his body couldn’t withstand the physical demands of the final.
In a post-match interview, Opelka expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the relentless support from the tournament doctor and ATP physiotherapists who worked tirelessly to manage his pain. “Unfortunately, my back has been giving me issues,” Opelka said. “We worked on it all day, but it wasn’t right enough to compete.”
Lehečka, who was leading at the time of Opelka’s retirement, was left stunned by the turn of events. The Czech player, who had already claimed victory due to retirement in the semifinal against Grigor Dimitrov, showcased his prowess on Australian hard courts.
Opelka’s withdrawal marked another chapter in his ongoing struggle with health, but it also highlighted his resilience and determination to return to the sport he loves. Despite the heartbreak, Opelka’s performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of inspiring, and fans are hopeful that he will have many more opportunities to compete at the highest level.
As Lehečka celebrated his second ATP title, the tennis world couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Opelka, whose journey back to the court has been filled with challenges and triumphs.
Reilly Opelka in 2025
Currently ranked no.293, Opelka played his last match on the 5th of January when he had to retire when playing against Jiri Lehecka in the final and the scoreline was 4-1 .
At present, during this year Reilly has a compiled 4-1 win-loss record. Reilly Opelka’s latest run in Brisbane was the best achievement of his season.