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The Gentle Giant's Return: Reilly Opelka's Brisbane Comeback and Viral Handshake

The world of professional tennis is built on fierce rivalries and explosive power, but occasionally, it's a moment of pure, unexpected humanity that captures the spotlight. In early January 2026, all eyes in the Australian tennis world turned to the Brisbane International, not just for the scores on the board, but for a heartwarming interaction between two players of vastly different statures.

Reilly Opelka, the towering American server standing at an imposing 6 feet 11 inches, made his return to the ATP Tour in Brisbane, and his first-round match against local Australian Dane Sweeny became an instant classic. While Opelka secured a straightforward 6-2, 7-5 victory in just over an hour, it was what happened at the net afterward that truly defined the tournament for many fans.

A Viral Moment of Sportsmanship

The match itself was a classic clash of styles. Opelka, known for his thunderous serves that can exceed 140 miles per hour, used his height advantage to dictate play against the gritty Sweeny. For Sweeny, who stands 40 centimeters shorter than the American giant, the task of returning Opelka's serves was a formidable physical challenge. Despite a valiant effort, the Australian couldn't find a way to break through Opelka's wall of power.

However, the true story unfolded after the final point. As the two players approached the net for the traditional handshake, the physical difference became comically apparent. Sweeny, unable to comfortably reach his opponent's hand, turned to the crowd with a smile and then, in a move that delighted everyone present, grabbed a plastic courtside chair to stand on.

The image of Sweeny standing on the chair to shake Opelka's hand quickly went viral across social media, celebrated for its humour and sportsmanship. It was a light-hearted moment that underscored the camaraderie often found within the tennis locker room, even amidst the pressure of competition. As one report noted, it was an "unexpected turn of events" that evolved into a moment of levity capturing the attention of fans worldwide.

"After the duel, Sweeny, who is 40 centimeters shorter than Opelka, took a plastic chair to hug his rival at the net."

This gesture provided a perfect start to Opelka's 2026 campaign, showcasing not just his on-court dominance but also the good-natured spirit of his opponent.

Contextual Background: The Opelka Journey

To understand the significance of Opelka's return to the court in Brisbane, it's essential to look at the journey that brought him there. Reilly Opelka is no stranger to the upper echelons of men's tennis. Born in Florida in 1997, he has long been a fixture on the ATP Tour, celebrated for his unique physical attributes and game style. He is tied with the retired Croatian Ivo Karlović as the tallest-ever ATP-ranked player at 6'11", and he holds the distinction of being the tallest-ever American professional tennis player.

His career has been a steady climb, marked by powerful performances and a ranking that has seen him break into the world's top 20, peaking at No. 17 in singles in February 2022. His game is built around a monstrous serve and a powerful forehand, making him one of the most difficult players to break on the tour.

However, like many elite athletes, Opelka has faced significant hurdles. The 2025 season began with promise for Opelka, as he opened the year by competing at the Brisbane International, where he reached the final round of qualifying. It was a promising start, but he met Jiri Lehecka in the last round, who won the title. The match ended on a sour note for Opelka, who was forced to retire mid-match due to a back injury.

That back injury became a defining challenge, sidelining him for a significant period. His return to the court in Brisbane in 2026, therefore, was not just another tournament start; it was a comeback. The victory over Sweeny was his first step back on the main tour stage, proving his fitness and reaffirming his presence in a highly competitive field.

Recent Updates: A Promising Start in Brisbane

The 2026 Brisbane International has been a significant event on the tennis calendar, attracting a strong field of players eager to start the season on a high note. The tournament serves as a key warm-up for the Australian Open, making every match a critical test of form and resilience.

Opelka's comeback narrative was a key part of the early tournament buzz. His first-round victory was clean and efficient, a testament to his ability to step back onto the court without missing a beat. The win places him in good stead for the remainder of the tournament, where he will face increasingly tough opposition.

The tournament has also been a showcase for other major stars, with the event's schedule featuring high-profile names. For instance, Australian fans have been closely following the progress of local heroes and international contenders alike. The event has brought together a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, creating a dynamic and unpredictable competitive landscape.

While Opelka's match was a solo affair, the broader tournament context includes team events and doubles competitions. The buzz around the Brisbane International extends beyond individual matches, with media coverage highlighting the city's ability to attract top-tier tennis talent and the vibrant atmosphere at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

The Broader Tennis Landscape and Opelka's Place

Reilly Opelka's journey is set against the backdrop of a constantly evolving men's tennis landscape. The current era is defined by a mix of established champions and a new generation of aggressive, powerful players. In this environment, a specialist like Opelka, whose game is so heavily reliant on his serve, occupies a unique and fascinating niche.

His career statistics paint a clear picture of his strengths. With a service speed that rivals the best in history, he forces opponents into defensive positions from the moment the ball leaves his racquet. This makes him a constant threat on any surface, but particularly on faster courts like those in Brisbane.

Beyond his on-court prowess, Opelka has also made headlines for his off-court commentary and insights. He is known for being articulate and unafraid to voice his opinions on the state of the game, a trait that has made him a respected figure among journalists and fans alike. He recently shared an interesting story about the legendary Andre Agassi, noting that Agassi had offered his assistance for free, highlighting a selfless act from the American icon. This connection to past legends underscores his deep understanding and respect for the history of the sport he represents.

Immediate Effects: The Impact of a Comeback

The immediate effect of Opelka's successful return is a boost of confidence for the player himself. Coming back from a back injury is never easy, especially for a player whose game generates immense physical stress on the body. To secure a straight-sets win in his first match back is a significant psychological victory.

For the Brisbane International tournament, Opelka's presence and his viral moment with Sweeny added a layer of mainstream appeal. Such moments transcend the core tennis audience, drawing in casual fans and generating social media engagement that is invaluable for the tournament's profile. It humanizes the sport and creates shareable content that keeps tennis in the public conversation.

From a competitive standpoint, Opelka's return adds another dangerous floater to the draw. His power game can disrupt the plans of any top player who might be drawn against him. For his potential opponents, the scouting report is clear but difficult to execute: find a way to neutralize the serve and survive the tiebreaks.

Future Outlook: What's Next for the Gentle Giant?

Looking ahead, the future for Reilly Opelka is filled with both opportunity and challenge. Based on his performance in Brisbane and his proven track record, several strategic implications and potential outcomes emerge.

1. The Path to the Top 20: If Opelka can maintain the fitness he showed in Brisbane and build a string of wins, a return to the top 20 of the ATP rankings is well within his reach. His primary goal will be to accumulate points and establish a consistent run of form leading into the clay court season and beyond.

2. The Grand Slam Threat: At major tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open, where fast courts favour his serve, Opelka becomes a dangerous opponent for anyone. The key for him will be to manage the physical demands of a two-week Grand Slam and to win the crucial points in the tight matches that define deep runs.

3. Navigating Injuries: The biggest risk for Opelka remains his physical health. His height and powerful playing style put immense strain on his back and other joints. His long-term success will depend heavily on his ability to manage his body, work with his coaching team on preventative measures, and perhaps adapt his training regimen to ensure he can withstand the rigours of the tour.

4. Cultural Impact: As one of the tallest and most recognizable players on tour, Opelka has a unique platform. His witty