The first two ATP trophies of 2025 will be handed out on Sunday. In Brisbane, Jiri Lehecka is facing Reilly Opelka. It’s also an all-unseeded showdown in Hong Kong, where Kei Nishikori and Alexandre Muller are battling or the title.
Brisbane International: (PR) Reilly Opelka vs. Jiri Lehecka
The week in Brisbane has been nothing short of amazing for Opelka, who missed basically all of 2022 and 2023 before playing sparingly in 2024. The 27-year-old American is back in a big way now, announcing his resurgence with a straight-set upset of Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals and a semifinal victory over a red-hot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Opelka’s run to his first ATP final since 2022 (Houston) also includes defeats of Federico Agustin Gomez and Matteo Arnaldi.
Lehecka stands in Opelka’s way of the title in what will be a first head-to-head contest. The 23-year-old Czech’s only ATP title has come in Adelaide last January, so he clearly enjoys this time of year. He is back in another final Down Under thanks to victories over Holger Rune, Yoshihito Nishioka, Nicolas Jarry, and Grigor Dimitrov–the latter via second-set retirement. As well as Lehecka is playing, this match will be on Opelka’s racket. If the former world No. 17 plays like he did against Djokovic and Mpetshi Perricard, the trophy will be heading his way.
Pick: Opelka in 3
Bank of China Open: (WC) Kei Nishikori vs. Alexandre Muller
It looks like Nishikori is going to turn back the clock in 2025. The Japanese veteran will have to stay healthy to do it, of course, but it’s so far so good for him in Hong Kong. Nishikori is through to his first ATP final since 2019 (also in Brisbane) following wins over Denis Shapovalov, Karen Khachanov, Cameron Norrie, and Jerry Shang–the latter via retirement.
Up next for the former world No. 4 is a first-ever meeting with Muller. The 67th-ranked Frenchman is bidding for his first ATP title and playing in his second final (lost to Roberto Carballes Baena at the 2023 Marrakech tournament). Muller has advanced this week by beating Marc-Andrea Huesler, Miomir Kecmanovic, Arthur Fils, and Jaume Munar. All four of the 27-year-old’s matches have required three sets, whereas Nishikori is well rested after getting a first-set retirement from Shang on Saturday. Nishikori has much more experience on this stage and is the superior hard-court player, too.
Pick: Nishikori in 2
WWW?
I’d be guessing but think the prob is higher that Leheck plays the same or rises, in 3
Lehecka played his semi yesterday, his doubles semi at midnight, has to play his doubles final this afternoon before his singles final tonight. He must be exhausted.
but Opelka may have a wrist issue
I think Opelka wrist issue isn’t that serious. He would’ve stopped the match. Opelka in 3. Exhaustion caught up to Perricard. But also Lehecka has a straight sets win because Grigor retired which he was probably going to get the straight sets anyways. Opelka is doing the unimaginable by scalping 2 top players including Novak. I’ve learned my lesson as a professional sports better for a living. I’m not going against Opelka tonight. Never seen a big man that moves so well. But while saying all of this if Opelka takes a dip in serve Lehecka might have a chance. Opelka did make a few but not a lot of errors but they definitely started to come through against Perricard. It’d be interesting to see if the big man can keep up this high level of play. Even so Opelka in 3. Wouldn’t be surprised after all what he’s done so far after a very lengthy absence if he wins in straight sets. Even Perricard looked intimidated. Then again Perricard is one of the worst returns in tennis
Come on Opelka good news it’s the opposite wrist from where the previous injury was and he finished the set without a problem. I’m siding with Opelka. This moment is to big for him to not finish it with a final championship win 🏆
ret
You can’t not feel bad for Opelka, so sad after all what he has to go through and after such a great play in Brisbane, plus, he is such genuine and nice bloke.
agreed