At the end of 2018, American tennis player Reilly Opelka was ranked alongside Croatian Ivo Karlovic, age 40. The two tallest players on tour, at 6’ 11”, both with a huge serve. Within weeks, Opelka won the New York 250 title, and took a firm lead in rankings over Karlovic. It was a changing of the guard. This is part of a series based on Karl Corbett's exclusive interview with Reilly Opelka.
(photo credit: Karl Corbett, (c) Tennis Acumen)
Karl: As you have started traveling more and more, what are some of your favorite cities?
Reilly: I have a few. I like New York City a lot. New York's great. Not that I could live there but… I am a huge ‘foodie’, and a lot of the best restaurants in the United States are in New York. I like Miami a lot as well. I live near Miami. I know it well. I am a big fan of Miami. I also like Milan (Italy).
Karl: What is it about Milan that you love?
Reilly: Food as well. I'm also big into fashion. So, Milan has a nice mix of food, fashion and art.
I do like all the cities in the States. Chicago? Well, Chicago's great. Especially in the summertime. You can't beat it. But yeah, those are my favorite cities so far.
Karl: You’ll be seeing more. Reilly, how has your life changed in the last year?
Reilly: Well, a lot has changed. You know, this time last year, I was ranked #150 and unable to play. I had mono (mononucleosis). So, I was sitting at home on the couch all summer. And now I'm just cracking the top 50, just here this week.
So, what’s changed? I am pretty independent now. I just bought a house in Boca Raton. So, I'm based in Boca. I have my coach there working with me. I also have a coach here, based in Atlanta, but he travels with me: JY, Jean-Yves Aubone. I have my physio team set up so I couldn't be happier with my team, my environment. My whole setup for for my job is perfect.
There's more to this interview. Take a look around, end enjoy.....
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