Opelka beats Kyrgios in Houston semifinals

Reilly Opelka defeats Nick Kyrgios (6-3, 7-5) in the semifinals of the ATP 250 in Houston, and reaches his first final on clay as a professional. The American ended the patience of the Australian, who again took a point penalty at a key moment. Wait for Isner or Garín in the final.

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Reilly Opelka Y Nick Kyrgios They were in the semifinals of the ATP 250 in Houston, which was the second official confrontation between the American and Australian. In the only precedent, dating from the first round of the 2021 Toronto Masters, the American took the victory. On this occasion, Kyrgios was coming forward, and seemed to be slightly favored against an ever-improving Opelka on clay.

Opelka, far superior to Kyrgios

As expected, the match would be decided by few details in good games to the rest. In the first quarter, remaining with 2-1, Opelka would take advantage of his only opportunity to break of the set to go 3-1 and serve. The American would confirm the break without problem, and would carry out his three games on serve to close the first round 6-3.

In the second part, the equality would be greater, with some more options than the rest for both. At 2-2, Kyrgios would give Opelka two break chances, but he would save them, although at 3-3 he would give in to give the break to Opelka. However, with the match closing time approaching, Opelka would quickly hand over the break back to make the score 4-4. With 5-5, Kyrgios would receive a point penalty by an audible obscenity in ball of break, and Opelka would serve for the game. This time, the one from Michigan would not shake his pulse, and would close the match 7-5 to qualify for the final in Houston, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between John Isner Y Christian Garin.