2021 US Open Third Round – Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka taking place? Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka on and what time does it start? Saturday 4th September, 2021 – not before 23:00 (UK)
What surface is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka being played on? Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka
What channel is Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka
Where can I stream Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Nikoloz Basilashvili vs Reilly Opelka live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
World number 24 Reilly Opelka is in the form of his career right now after reaching a first Masters final at the Cincinnati Open two weeks ago. The 24-year-old has so far served 63 aces in two straight-set wins over Soonwoo Kwon and Lorenzo Musetti but his game is so much more than that, with a brilliant win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in Cincinnati testament to that. 29-year-old Nikoloz Basilashvili has won two ATP titles this season and yet the Georgian number one is still guilty of blowing hot and cold. Still, the world number 39 is yet to drop a set at the US Open, most recently spoiling Maxime Cressy’s party in the second round. Basilashvili is one win away from emulating his best Grand Slam finish achieved here with a round of 16 exit in 2018.
THE PREDICTION
Reilly Opelka is starting to draw a serious crowd at the US Open, where his big-serving game is best appreciated by home fans well used to the like from John Isner and Andy Roddick through the years. The American is enjoying the best season of his career despite not winning either of his two ATP titles in 2021 and he should be troubling members of the top 20 sooner rather than later in the ATP world rankings. A first meeting with Nikoloz Basilashvili is bound to be intense, with the enigmatic Georgian capable of beating anybody on his day, although his day is incredibly hard to predict. Neither player has conceded a set yet but despite Basilashvili’s strong performances so far, Opelka’s current level should need a top player to oust him. Take the American to win outright.
