In the ATP 250 tournament of Brisbanean unusual postcard caught the public’s attention during the first round: Australian Dane Sweeny used a chair to hug Reilly Opelka at the end of their matchevidencing the marked difference in height between both tennis players. The episode occurred after Sweeny1.70 meters tall, fell to the American Opelkawho measures 2.11 meters, in two sets with partials of 6-3 and 7-5.
The match was part of the competitions prior to the next Australian Open. Sweenywho entered the main draw after the loss of Brazilian Joao Fonseca due to injury, failed to overcome his rival, although he starred in one of the most talked about moments of the day when looking for a creative solution for the final greeting. As he approached the net, the Australian grabbed a chair and placed it next to his side to match the height with Opelka and thus be able to complete the traditional hug between players.
It didn’t take long for the comments to appear on social networks. “Then I would need a ladder with my 1.50 and a little bit”one joked, “Dane is one of the calmest guys that walks around the court”said another, referring to the fact that the tennis player had just lost before starring in that episode and “I love this clean play! But we can’t forget that it should be João who is there,” recalled a Brazilian fan.
Reilly Opelkacurrently ranked 60th in the ATP rankings, took advantage of his powerful serve to gain an advantage from the start of the match. The American He played 55 points with his serve and won 44of which 21 were aces, while his rival barely managed two. The meeting lasted one hour and 22 minutes. and ended with the victory of the American, who advanced to the round of 16, where he will face the Pole Kamil Majchrzak.
The chair episode evoked memories of similar situations that occurred on the professional circuit, such as the action of Dudi Sela in front of Ivo Karlovic —another player recognized for his height— in a 2014 tournament. In both cases, the gesture generated an impact among fans and on social networks, highlighting the physical contrast that can exist in high-level tennis.
After the victory, Opelka prepares for his next commitment against Majchrzakwho beat the German in his debut Daniel Altmaier. The organization of the tournament Brisbane It continues as one of the main stages on the Australian tour prior to the Melbourne Grand Slam.
