Reilly Opelka is not in the US Open primarily due to a compounding series of physical setbacks involving his hip, wrist, and most recently, his right shoulder.
After reaching a career-high fourth round in 2021, the 6’11” American was sidelined for the 2022 and 2023 editions following reconstructive surgeries to address a benign hip tumor and subsequent wrist complications.
Although he made a brief appearance in 2025, his 2026 campaign was cut short by a retirement at the Madrid Open. His absence reflects a grueling recovery process and strategic decisions regarding his protected ranking status during his comeback.
Why is Reilly Opelka Not in the US Open? Understanding the Absences
The absence of Reilly Opelka from the New York hard courts has become a recurring theme in recent years, much to the disappointment of American tennis fans who viewed him as a legitimate deep-draw threat. His history at the tournament is a mixture of elite performance and forced inactivity.
Reilly Opelka: US Open Career and Missing Years Summary
| Category | Career Record / Achievement |
|---|---|
| Best Singles Result | Round of 16 (2021) |
| Notable Wins | Fabio Fognini, David Goffin, Lorenzo Musetti |
| Missed Editions | 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| 2025 Performance | 1st Round Loss to Carlos Alcaraz |
| Primary Reasons for Absence | Hip surgery, wrist complications, shoulder injury |
As a native American player, the New York hard courts have historically provided both his greatest career breakthrough and some of his toughest injury-forced absences.
The tournament serves as a benchmark for his health; when he is fit, he is a force, but his massive frame has made maintaining that fitness a monumental challenge.
The Medical Odyssey: From Hip Tumors to Wrist Surgeries
The physical toll of professional tennis is magnified for a player of Opelka’s stature. His “servebot” style requires immense torque and explosive power, which has led to a cascade of injuries beginning in late 2022.
The 2022 Hip Surgery and Benign Tumor
In August 2022, Opelka’s upward trajectory was halted by the discovery of a benign tumor in his hip. This necessitated major reconstructive surgery, forcing him to withdraw from the US Open that year.
The recovery from hip surgery is notoriously difficult for tennis players because the joint is the pivot point for almost every movement on the court.
For a player who stands nearly seven feet tall, the leverage and stress placed on the hip during a 140-mph serve are extreme, making the rehabilitation process both long and delicate.
Complications During Wrist Recovery
While the hip surgery was the initial catalyst for his hiatus, it was not the only hurdle. Following the hip procedure, Opelka underwent subsequent wrist surgery. However, the path back to the court was far from linear.
He faced multiple complications during the recovery phase of his wrist operation, which extended his time away from the ATP Tour through the entirety of the 2023 season.
These setbacks meant he missed two consecutive US Open tournaments, losing critical ranking points and competitive rhythm.
The 2026 Shoulder Injury in Madrid
The most recent chapter of his injury history occurred during the 2026 European clay season. After showing signs of life at the Australian Open and during the “Sunshine Double” hard-court swing, his body broke down again.
During a match at the Madrid Open, a severe right shoulder injury forced him into a mid-match retirement. This specific injury is particularly devastating for Opelka, as his entire game is built around the power of his serve.
Any compromise in shoulder stability or strength directly impacts his primary weapon, leading to his withdrawal from subsequent events like the Perugia Challenger and the 2026 grass-court swing.
The 2024 Wildcard Controversy and Administrative Hurdles
The reasons for Opelka’s absence are not exclusively medical; they are also tied to the complex rules of tournament entry and his relationship with national tennis governing bodies.
A Public Dispute with the USTA
When Opelka attempted to launch a comeback in 2024, his ranking had plummeted due to his long inactivity. He reached out to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for a wildcard entry into the US Open, a common courtesy often extended to high-ranking American players returning from injury.
However, the USTA refused his request. Opelka was vocal in his criticism of the association, feeling that his past contributions and status as a top American player warranted more support during his recovery phase.
Strategic Use of Protected Rankings
Faced with the lack of a wildcard, Opelka had to make a strategic decision regarding his “protected ranking” entries. The ATP allows injured players a limited number of tournament entries using the ranking they held before their injury.
Unwilling to “burn” one of these precious lifelines on a tournament where he felt he lacked administrative backing and was perhaps not at 100% match fitness, he opted out of the 2024 US Open entirely.
This move was a calculated risk aimed at preserving his status for events where he felt more prepared to compete.
Analyzing the 2025 Return: A Brutal Reality Check
After years of struggle, Opelka finally made his return to the main draw of the US Open in 2025. This return was highly anticipated by the tennis community, as it signaled the potential resurgence of one of the tour’s most unique players.
Facing the World Number Two
The excitement of Opelka’s return was quickly dampened by the luck of the draw. In the very first round, he was pitted against world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This was a “brutal” opening draw for a player still finding his footing after years of surgeries. While the match was competitive, Alcaraz’s speed and defensive capabilities were too much for the recovering American.
Statistical Breakdown of the Alcaraz Match
Opelka lost the match in straight sets with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. Despite the loss, the match provided a glimpse into his remaining potential.
His serve remained a formidable tool, but his lateral movement and endurance showed the lingering effects of his long hiatus.
Being eliminated in the first round meant he could not defend the points he needed to climb back into the top tiers of the rankings, setting the stage for the struggles he has faced in the current 2026 season.
The Physical Toll of Height on Professional Tennis
To understand why Opelka is frequently missing from major events, one must consider the biomechanical challenges faced by a 6’11” athlete in a sport defined by lateral agility and repetitive impact.
Kinetic Chain Disruptions
In tennis, power is generated from the ground up through the kinetic chain—starting at the feet, moving through the knees, hips, torso, and finally the shoulder and wrist. For Opelka, this chain is exceptionally long.
A minor issue in his hip can cause him to overcompensate with his wrist or shoulder, leading to the “cascade” of injuries he has experienced.
The benign tumor in his hip likely disrupted this balance years before the surgery, and the subsequent wrist and shoulder issues are often the result of the body trying to find a new equilibrium.
The Struggle to Maintain Top 100 Status
Constant injuries have led to a volatile ranking. Following his retirement in Madrid and his withdrawal from the 2026 grass-court swing, his ranking has once again dropped outside the top 100.
For a player of his caliber, being outside the top 100 is a significant barrier, as it often necessitates playing through qualifying rounds or relying on wildcards—the very things that have proven difficult for him to secure in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reilly Opelka’s Status
Why did Reilly Opelka withdraw from the 2026 grass-court season?
He was sidelined due to a recurring physical issue that followed a mid-match retirement at the Madrid Open and a subsequent medical withdrawal from the Perugia Challenger.
Has Reilly Opelka ever won the US Open?
No, his best result at the US Open was reaching the Round of 16 in 2021, where he defeated players like Lorenzo Musetti before falling to Lloyd Harris.
What was the “Wildcard Dispute” in 2024?
Opelka criticized the USTA for refusing him a wildcard entry into the US Open. Consequently, he chose not to use his limited protected ranking entries for the tournament and opted out.
Is Reilly Opelka retired?
As of mid-2026, Opelka has not officially retired. He continues to attempt comebacks, though his ranking has slipped outside the top 100 due to persistent shoulder and hip-related setbacks.
Conclusion: The Perilous Road Ahead for the American Giant
The story of Reilly Opelka at the US Open is one of “what could have been.” His 2021 run proved that he has the game to challenge the world’s best on the biggest stages.
However, the physical reality of his 6’11” frame has turned his career into a “perilous comeback” attempt. Between the administrative friction with the USTA and a body that seems to break down just as he finds his rhythm, the path back to the top of the game is increasingly steep.
For Opelka to return to the US Open and reclaim his status, he must find a way to stabilize his shoulder and navigate the ranking hurdles that currently keep him in the Challenger circuit.
Tennis fans remain hopeful that the “Sidelined Giant” can find one more healthy stretch of play to showcase the serve that once made him the most feared opponent on the tour.
