Reilly Opelka’s Stature Steals Spotlight at US Open

New York, August 26, 2025 - A viral moment from Day 2 of the US Open has thrust American No. 66 Reilly Opelka’s extraordinary height into the global tennis conversation. In a first-round match against world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, a side-by-side photo of the two players circulated on social media, highlighting Opelka’s towering frame and prompting widespread fan reaction.

Opelka, who stands at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m), is tied with Ivo Karlović and John Isner as the tallest-ever ATP-ranked player. The contrast was especially striking alongside the 6-foot (1.83 m) Alcaraz, leaving spectators and commentators marveling at the nearly one-foot difference in height.

According to the Laver Cup website, Opelka’s unique stature has become a hallmark of his game, complementing a powerful serve that regularly exceeds 140 mph. His height advantage has helped him secure four ATP singles titles and reach a career-high ranking of world No. 17 in 2022.

Despite the buzz around his height, Opelka fell to Alcaraz in straight sets, 6-2, 6-5, 6-4, as the Spaniard continues his charge toward reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking. Nonetheless, today’s towering image will undoubtedly remain one of the most replayed moments of this year’s tournament.