Reilly Opelka: 'If I Were Shorter, I'd Probably Be a Better Player'

American Ponders Height Paradox: Is His 6'11" Frame His Biggest Handicap?

© AFP

Jules Hypolite

le 10/01/2026 à 15h31

1 min to read

Isner John Opelka Reilly

This week in Brisbane, Reilly Opelka shattered the stats by firing 44 aces in his thrilling defeat to Kamil Majchrzak in the second round (6-7, 7-6, 7-6).

A performance that ranks him seventh on the all-time list of highest ace totals in a single match, a record still held by Milos Raonic with 47 aces at Queen's against Cameron Norrie in 2024.

“Average Top 10 Height Is Much Lower”

Recently a guest on the Nothing Major podcast, the American discussed his height (6-11) and the challenges it brings to his game:

“You might think that if I were six inches shorter, I'd probably be a better player. John (Isner) could say the same. Getting down to low balls would be easier. The average top 10 height is nowhere near 6-6, it's closer to 6-0.

There's also knowing how to win. John was incredible at it: he could play matches hitting just four or five shots max and still beat a top 10 player.”