Week 42 - Challenger ($50,000+H) - Las Vegas NV, USA (hard)

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

RE: Week 42 - Challenger ($50,000+H) - Las Vegas NV, USA (hard)

hoots · Intermediate Club Player

Stircrazy wrote:
L32: (8) Reilly Opelka (USA) WR 175 defeated Jay Clarke WR 286 by 7-6(2) 6-4
Looks like a reasonably competitive match.

Only 1 break of serve.First game of second set after Jay had lost the tie break in first set.

the addict · Tennis legend

I watched some of the second set - not particularly enthralling. Opelka served 20 aces altogether, and Jay only won one point out of 37 against the first serve.

the addict · Tennis legend

Cam has just taken the first set 6-4
(Much more entertaining match !)

stevemcqueen · Futures qualifying

This is top level tennis. With serve in the 2nd set, 3-2, Cam serving.

this is top level tennis.

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

L32: (2) Cam Norrie WR 110 defeated Roberto Ortega (ESP) WR 288 by 4 & 3

the addict · Tennis legend

Comfortable win for Cam

stevemcqueen · Futures qualifying

Good tennis by both players, it looked way better than 1st round challenger level.

Jiwan · Club Coach

Mr Broady is taking advantage of a good draw. 7-6 and 4-1

Jiwan · Club Coach

Liam wins in straight sets 7-6 6-2. Opponent fell apart after the first set Liam looking very good at this level at the moment

Madadman · Top national player

Jay & Marcus appeared to have pulled out of the doubles.

steven · Tennis legend

L32: Liam Broady WR 196 beat (LL) Alex Rybakov (USA) WR 628 (CH 584, 2 weeks ago) by 7-6(5) 6-3

L16: Brydan Klein WR 289 v Evan King (USA) WR 231 (CH 230 last week)
L16: (2) Cam Norrie WR 110 v Liam Broady WR 196

H2H 1-1 - these two only seem to meet in October

- the previous times were in Mansfield TX Futures QFs, when Liam was the top seed and Cam a qualifier both times. Liam won 4 & 4 in 2014, Cam won 3 & 3 in 2015 and both went on to take the title.

Oakland2002 · All-time great

I was interested to see how Jay would do. Opelka assuming he stays fit is destined to be the servebot of the next generation, Jay probably hasnt played too man guys who are 611 with 135mph plus first serves and 125 mph plus seconds, it will take a few trips to the well so to speak to work out.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Oakland2002 wrote:
I was interested to see how Jay would do. Opelka assuming he stays fit is destined to be the servebot of the next generation, Jay probably hasnt played too man guys who are 611 with 135mph plus first serves and 125 mph plus seconds, it will take a few trips to the well so to speak to work out.

Yes, I saw Opleka play Shapovalov at Queens this year, in qualis, for free, which was the best bargain of the year (especially as it was on the court next to the Brits so you could watch both matches at once).

The match went to 7-6(6) in the third set tie-break and was just brilliant. Although Shapo was the more open, 'likeable' player, with flashy brilliance, and an obvious star in the making, there was a lot to really like about Opelka, in demeanour as well as tennis (and not just his serve).

That's a very good score by Jay and, as you say, that must have been a trajectory of serve (not to mention speed) that he's probably never seen before.

Helen40 · Grand Slam Champion

Thanks for the match reports and insights. I must admit to being really sad at jay's loss, but now with more context, I am more inclined to put it down to experience. I hope there's no injury with him pulling out of the dubs though.