French Open 2024: Opelka Crushes Hijikata In Stunning Upset

2 min read Post on May 26, 2025

French Open 2024: Opelka Crushes Hijikata in Stunning Upset

American giant Reilly Opelka delivered a shock to the Roland Garros crowd, dismantling Japanese rising star Taro Hijikata in a breathtaking upset during the second round of the French Open 2024. The match, a clash of styles between Opelka's powerful serve and Hijikata's agile baseline game, ended in a decisive 6-4, 7-6, 6-3 victory for the American. This unexpected outcome has sent ripples through the tournament, shaking up predictions and highlighting Opelka's resurgence on clay.

Opelka's Ace-Filled Assault Silences Hijikata

The match was a masterclass in serve-and-volley, showcasing Opelka's formidable weapon: his serve. He consistently blasted aces past Hijikata, many exceeding 140 mph, making it incredibly difficult for the Japanese player to even get a look at the ball. While Hijikata fought valiantly, attempting to neutralize Opelka's power with his deft drop shots and counter-punches, he ultimately couldn't consistently break down the American's serve.

Opelka's Ace Count: A staggering 28 aces overwhelmed Hijikata, disrupting his rhythm and forcing him into defensive positions.
First Serve Percentage: Opelka maintained a high first serve percentage, further solidifying his dominance on the court.
Return Game: While Hijikata's return game showed flashes of brilliance, it wasn't consistent enough to put sustained pressure on Opelka.

Hijikata's Fight, Despite the Defeat

Despite the loss, Hijikata demonstrated impressive resilience and skill. His movement around the court was exceptional, and he consistently displayed his tactical acumen, attempting to exploit any perceived weakness in Opelka's game. However, Opelka's sheer power proved too much to overcome, especially on the Parisian clay.

Implications for the French Open

Opelka's victory significantly alters the landscape of the men's singles draw. He now faces a more favorable path to the later rounds, potentially setting up exciting matchups against higher-ranked players. This unexpected upset serves as a stark reminder that even the most highly-anticipated matches can produce surprising outcomes, adding to the unpredictable nature of the French Open. Experts are now reassessing their predictions, acknowledging Opelka's unexpected prowess on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Looking Ahead for Opelka

This win represents a considerable achievement for Opelka, demonstrating his adaptability and competitive spirit. His performance in this match will undoubtedly boost his confidence and propel him towards future success in the tournament. The question now is: Can he maintain this momentum and continue his impressive run? The world will be watching as Opelka progresses through the French Open. This unexpected victory has certainly added a new layer of intrigue to this year's competition. The French Open 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory.