The atmosphere should be lively in this all-American clash. Reily Opelka returned to the tour last July following an eight-month injury hiatus.
2025 ATP Tour
Masters 1000
Miami Open
Miami Gardens, Florida (Outdoor Hardcourt)
Selected Round of 128 Matches- 20th March
Reily Opelka 0.46 vs Christopher Eubanks 1.65
The atmosphere should be lively in this all-American clash. Reily Opelka returned to the tour last July following an eight-month injury hiatus. He struggled to find his footing last year but began this season in spectacular fashion, reaching his first final since 2022 in Brisbane (he was forced to withdraw in the final). The American has struggled to build on that momentum, going 4-4 in his tour-level matches since (including a victory over compatriot Eubanks). He was unceremoniously dumped out of Indian Wells in the first round by Safiullin. More disturbingly, he couldn’t get past the last 16 in his recent Challenger appearance in Phoenix. The gentle giant is obviously still coming to terms with the rigours of being a consistent presence on tour. These Miami conditions will come as a welcome respite after those sluggish Indian Wells surfaces. I was a little surprised to learnt that the Florida native has failed to progress beyond the 3rd round of this event in his career. A mythic figure in his home state, Opelka will look towards the Miami for some inspiration this fortnight.
What has happened to Christopher Eubanks? The 28-year-old American burst onto the scene during an incredible 2023 campaign, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals and winning his maiden title in Mallorca. He also played brilliantly on these very courts that year, making his one and only Masters 1000 quarterfinal appearance. But he struggled tremendously last season, amassing a 11-19 record while dropping outside the top 100 in the world rankings. And he is sinking even lower this year, arriving in Miami on a five-match losing streak. Eubank’s hard-hitting style is just too one-dimensional for sustained success. However, he has played exceptionally well here in the past and will be hoping that he can rediscover some magic in Miami. His aggressive, flat-hitting style is well suited to these quicker conditions. He managed to reached the 3rd round here last season despite his dismal form.
The Verdict: Opelka to win in three at 2.55- Opelka leads the head-to-head 3-0, winning all three of their meetings in straight sets (including at this year’s Delray Beach event). I think that Opelka’s devastating serve and greater consistency should see him through to the win. However, Eubanks understands these conditions and should put up a reasonable fight. The courts are quick and the ball tends to bounce quite low (which should suit his flat hitting). Opelka in three feels right.
