2021 Italian Open Semi-Final – Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Saturday 15th May, 2021 – Not before 12:15 (UK)
What surface is Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Reilly Opelka vs Rafael Nadal in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number 47 Reilly Opelka looks set to shoot back up the ATP world rankings after reaching his first Masters semi-final at the Italian Open. The 23-year-old overpowered an in-form Federico Delbonis in straight sets and still has not had his serve broken, taking a spotless record from four matches into this first meeting with Rafael Nadal. The world number three was able to use the three-hour slog with Denis Shapovalov on Thursday to good effect in the quarter-finals with a commanding straight-sets win against a good Alexander Zverev and the Spaniard looked confident in his abilities towards the end of that test in a way that should concern the rest of the draw. When Reilly Opelka is serving like he is this week in Rome it takes the very best players on tour, and amongst those the best returners, to topple the giants and that is what the 23-year-old should find on Saturday. It has been an incredible week for the previously out of form American but this should be the end of the road. Take Nadal to win outright, though realistically he can win this in two.
