Sunday, February 9, 2025
24.9 C
Canberra

Finalist Reilly Opelka retires hurt from Brisbane International decider, Jiri Lehecka wins title

American Reilly Opelka suddenly retired from the men's singles final at the Brisbane International on Sunday night, gifting Jiri Lehecka the title.

Opelka pulled the pin after just 12 minutes as he was troubled by a complaint. It is not known if the 27-year-old suffered a wrist, hip or back injury — all have troubled him in the past.

Opelka was trailing 4-1 in the opening set when the match was called.

AS IT HAPPENED: Australia vs India fifth Test, day three

Reilly Opelka retires injured in the men's singles finals at the 2025 Brisbane International. Chris Hyde via Getty Images

"It's all over," a shocked Peter Psaltis said in commentary for Nine.

Opelka made headlines last week when he became the lowest-ranked player to ever defeat Novak Djokovic.

Standing at 211cm tall, Opelka once ranked 17th in the world but now sits just inside the top 300 as he returns from a horror run of surgeries and injuries.

Opelka previously admitted that he had considered finishing his career ahead of this season as he had managed just one match in the past two years.

He will be hoping the complaint is the result of muscle soreness and nothing more sinister after his campaign in Brisbane was defined by big-hitting and extended rallies.

Opelka retirement is the latest in a number of withdrawals during big matches at the tournament.

With the result, Lehecka claims the second ATP title of his career — adding to his victory in Adelaide last year.

Lehecka will back up shortly in the men's doubles final.

Earlier, Aryna Sabalenka overcame a scare from qualifier Polina Kudermetova to claim the women's singles title.

MORE TO COME.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Hot this week

Byron Bay ghost stores cause consumer outrage over misleading marketing

Consumers have been lured by the promise of sustainable...

Internet dropouts in SA holiday towns hurt small businesses

Annalise Haseldine says her cafe's internet and sale system...

Which ASX bank share I’d buy for dividends

I'm cautious on some bank stocks for dividends, here's...

Topics

spot_img

Related Articles