Chanda Rubin: Carlos Alcaraz “can’t look past” Reilly Opelka first round at US Open

NEW YORK—At 22 years old, Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his 2025 US Open campaign in hot pursuit of a sixth major title, which would tie him with Bjorn Borg for most Grand Slam victories before the age of 23.

But first Alcaraz, fresh off a Masters 1000 title at the Cincinnati Open, will have to face big-serving American Reilly Opelka, one of the most dangerous floaters in the men’s singles daw, in the opening round.

Previewing the match on Tennis Channel Live, former Australian Open semifinalist Chanda Rubin argued that despite Alcaraz’s strong form heading into Flushing Meadows, he “can’t look past” Opelka.

“I think it’s always a dangerous match when you’ve got such a big-serving guy who can get hot, who can create some problems, and who can win quick points,” said Rubin. “With that being said, you still put everything on Alcaraz’s side of the ledger with how he’s coming in, with his form coming off the title in Cincinnati even though he didn’t have to really complete that final. This is a place where he has thrived.”

Standing at 6’11”, Opelka is one of the biggest servers on tour and a former world No. 17 in the midst of a comeback season after missing much of the last two years due to wrist and hip injuries. The 27-year-old started the 2025 season with a bang when he stunned Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International and rocketed back up over 100 spots in the ATP rankings to put himself on the precipice of a Top 50 return. Alcaraz and Opelka have never played before, but the reigning Cincinnati Open champion has never lost a Grand Slam first round.

Jim Courier echoed Rubin’s sentiment, predicting Opelka’s chances of an upset could come down to when the match is scheduled on Monday: Alcaraz and Opelka will follow Venus Williams’ first round match Monday night on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“If I’m Alcaraz, I want to play at night because it slows things down even more,” said Courier. “When darkness settles, the temperature drops.”

Should Alcaraz get past Opelka, his road doesn’t get much easier, argued Rubin, but the tough road could keep him sharp heading into the second week.

“He’s got a tough section, though, and you look at the potential quarter with Ben Shelton there, he’s got some roadblocks up to that point. So, maybe that plays him into even better form as he gets later into the tournament, if he can survive, that will be interesting to see.”