Reilly Opelka has made a remarkable return to professional tennis at the Cincinnati Open following a challenging 2024 marked by injuries. The American giant, known for his towering presence and powerful serve, re-emerged in July 2024, quickly advancing to the quarterfinals of the Hall of Fame Open. His revival reached a new height in January 2025 when he defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets during the quarterfinals and proceeded to overcome rising talent Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard to reach his first final since 2022. At the core of Opelka’s resurgence lies the influence and expertise of his coaching team, whose combined experience and insights have been critical in his impressive comeback.
Current Coaching Partners Driving Opelka’s Success
Opelka’s primary coach remains Jay Berger, a former top-ten player from the United States who reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 in 1990. Berger’s involvement with Opelka dates back to his early teenage years, establishing a deep and lasting mentorship. Interestingly, Berger and Opelka’s career paths mirror each other in notable ways; Berger reached the Toronto final in 1990, a stage Opelka himself reached in 2021. Jay Berger is recognized for his unique serving style during his playing days, characterized by a distinctive arm cocking before the toss and a deep knee bend for power.
In late 2024, Denis Kudla, who recently retired from professional tennis, joined Opelka’s coaching team. Kudla quickly became integral to Opelka’s training, offering fresh insights and hands-on adjustments. His focus has centered on refining Opelka’s strengths, especially his powerful serve, while helping safeguard against injury recurrence.
Together, Berger and Kudla present a dynamic coaching duo. Berger provides long-term strategic guidance and mental preparation, while Kudla brings immediate technical expertise and tour experience. This combination has propelled Opelka to new levels on the court and remains essential to his ongoing development.
A Look Back: The Foundational Coaches Shaping Opelka’s Career
Before his current coaching arrangement, Opelka’s tennis journey was profoundly shaped by several key figures. Tom Gullikson, a former professional player and one-half of the famous Gullikson twin duo, was instrumental during Opelka’s formative years. Opelka credits Gullikson for igniting his passion for tennis. He said,
“pretty much… put a racket in my hand.”
Gullikson began working with Opelka when he was around 12 years old at the USTA training center in Boca Raton.
In 2022, Opelka paid tribute to both Tom and Tim Gullikson, Tom’s late twin brother, on Instagram:
“Wouldn’t be playing tennis if it weren’t for these two.”
The Gullikson twins were renowned doubles competitors in the 70s and 80s, with Wimbledon finals appearances in 1983. Tim Gullikson gained acclaim as Pete Sampras’s coach during the 1990s, while Tom focused on fundamental skill-building for Opelka. Opelka shared with Tennis.com,
“Tom was pretty much the guy who put a racket in my hand. My fundamentals come from him. I have been so fortunate to be around some of the best minds in tennis from a young age. Gully is unbelievable. He taught me everything.”
Years later, J.Y. Aubone played a significant role in Opelka’s development, guiding him between approximately 2018 and 2021. Aubone’s tenure corresponds with one of the fastest rises in Opelka’s career, taking him from a ranking near 229 to the brink of the top 20. The progress during this period underscores the impact of meticulous planning, rigorous training, and experience gained from consistent tour play.
Opelka also benefited from the technical expertise and support of Friedrich Kunath, a trusted coach and friend who contributed to refining Opelka’s game over the years. Collectively, these mentors formed the foundation of the player that Opelka is today.
Coach Insights: The Team’s Perspective on Opelka’s Form
After nearly two years away from the tour to recover from hip and multiple wrist surgeries, Opelka made his comeback at Newport by reaching the semifinals, reminding fans of his formidable serving ability. His coach, Jay Berger, emphasized the importance of the mentors who shaped Opelka’s mental and physical approach, mentioning Tom Gullikson, Brian Gottfried, Jim Loehr, Michael Sell, and Andy Brandi as key influences. Berger expressed pride, stating,
“He had some really great mentors.”
and
“I’m probably happiest [about] the kind of person he is. He listens and keeps trying to get better.”
Denis Kudla, who travels with Opelka as his coach, drew a compelling comparison between Opelka and the young player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Kudla reflected on Perricard’s rapid rise in the rankings and encouraged Opelka to emulate and exceed that success. He commented,
“I saw Perricard and practised with him when he was like No. 300 and [how] he made this rise to 30 in the world. I was saying in my head, ‘There’s no reason you can’t do the exact same thing, if not better’.”
After Opelka’s straight-sets victory over Perricard, Kudla added,
“I’m very confident that he’s going to get back there.”
Upcoming Challenges and the Potential Ahead at Cincinnati
As Opelka prepares to face sixth seed Alex de Minaur in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open, anticipation mounts around his capacity to continue this remarkable run. His coaching team’s balance of veteran wisdom and recent playing experience has fueled an atmosphere of hope and excitement. The Cincinnati Open represents another opportunity for Opelka to not only showcase his comeback but also to establish himself once more as a top contender in men’s tennis.
Whether this resurgence marks a sustained return to elite form or a momentary peak remains to be seen, but the dedication and chemistry found within his coaching team offer strong reasons for optimism. Opelka’s story is a testament to resilience reinforced by expert mentorship, and fans eagerly await the next chapters in his career.