Reilly Opelka hopes for another strong Delray Beach Open run

World no. 39 Reilly Opelka is eager to kick off the season in Debray Beach at the beginning of January, winning the Florida title in 2020 and hoping for another in a couple of weeks.

The American played nine tournaments in 2020, winning that Delray Beach title after two tight victories over Milos Raonic and Yoshihito Nishioka. Reilly was also the Cincinnati quarter-finalist, beating two top-20 rivals before retiring against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening set's closing stages. Struggling with a knee injury, Reilly had to take some time off the court and get back at 100%, hoping to play at his best at the beginning of the new year and leave physical issues behind him.

Opelka couldn't make progress through the ATP ranking list in 2020, still finishing in the top-40 for the second straight time.

"I had a great time in Delray Beach last year, winning the title at home event. I attended it since I was 11 or 12, and it was nice to win the title there. I beat some good players and experienced a memorable final day after those two victories. Winning two matches in a single day was pretty crazy, and it tested my physical strength. The field will be very strong in 2021, with many great players entering the draw, including former champions.

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I had a great off-season, and I believe I can perform strongly at the beginning of the new year. My knee is doing great after I put much effort into healing it. Those three months away from the court worked fine for me, and I'm confident it will hold up, although you never know what will happen," Reilly Opelka said.