Carlos Alcaraz begins his 2025 US Open campaign against Reilly Opelka, a towering opponent known for his booming serve and aggressive style. The matchup will test Alcaraz’s return game and ability to neutralize pace early. While Alcaraz enters as the favorite, Opelka’s serve can disrupt rhythm and force short points, making the opener a potential challenge.
Second round offers tactical contrast
In the second round, Alcaraz will face either Mattia Bellucci or Shang Juncheng. Bellucci brings left-handed variety and baseline consistency, while Shang offers youthful energy and quick movement. Both players present tactical contrasts to Opelka, requiring Alcaraz to adjust his approach and maintain control through longer rallies.
Darderi looms in round three
Luciano Darderi is projected to meet Alcaraz in the third round. Known for his clay-court instincts and heavy topspin, Darderi could push Alcaraz into extended exchanges. The match may hinge on Alcaraz’s ability to dictate tempo and avoid being drawn into defensive patterns.
A blockbuster fourth round
The fourth round could feature a high-profile clash with Daniil Medvedev or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Medvedev’s deep court positioning and counterpunching style have troubled top players in the past, while Davidovich Fokina’s unpredictability and flair make him a dangerous opponent. Alcaraz will need to stay composed and find ways to break down their defenses.
Quarterfinals filled with explosive talent
The quarterfinal stage offers a pool of dynamic contenders: Ben Shelton, Casper Ruud, Tallon Griekspoor, and Jiri Lehecka. Shelton’s raw power and athleticism could create fireworks, while Ruud’s consistency and court coverage make him a steady threat. Griekspoor and Lehecka bring aggressive shot-making and fearless play, adding depth to this round’s possibilities.
Semifinal showdown with elite rivals
If Alcaraz reaches the semifinals, he may face Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic, Holger Rune, or Jakub Mensik. Fritz’s hard-court prowess and Djokovic’s legendary resilience would demand peak performance. Rune’s explosive style and Mensik’s rising form add further intrigue. This stage will likely be a mental and physical battle, with margins razor-thin.
Final could feature the sport’s brightest stars
The projected final includes Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Jack Draper, or Alex de Minaur. Each opponent brings a distinct challenge—Sinner’s precision, Zverev’s power, Draper’s left-handed angles, and de Minaur’s relentless speed. Alcaraz will need to summon his full arsenal to overcome any of these contenders in a potential title match.
A draw that demands versatility and grit
Alcaraz’s path through the 2025 US Open is filled with variety, from big servers to counterpunchers and rising stars. Navigating this draw will require tactical flexibility, mental strength, and physical endurance. As one of the tournament’s top favorites, Alcaraz has the tools to go deep—but every round will demand his sharpest form.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Now the world no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 18th of August when he overcame world no.1 Jannik Sinner 5-0 in the final in Cincinnati to win his 23rd career title.
Presently, during this year Carlos has a composed 54-6 record. Alcaraz clinched 6 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London and Cincinnati. Alcaraz was the runner-up in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
Reilly Opelka in 2025
Ranked world no.66, Opelka played his last match on the 12th of August when he was defeated by world no.54 Francisco Comesana 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 in the 3rd round in Cincinnati (draw).
This year Reilly has achieved a composed 28-21 record. Reilly Opelka’s best result of this year was reaching the final in Brisbane.
Carlos Alcaraz and Reilly Opelka have never played each other.