Opelka’s Serve Could Push First Set Past Eight Games

Reilly Opelka is likely to make his presence felt early when he faces Federico Cina in the opening round of the Roland Garros ATP draw, with the first set expected to stretch beyond eight games. Opelka’s power serve has long been a major weapon on any surface, and on clay it can still be enough to keep sets tight, especially against a younger opponent looking to find rhythm in the early stages.

Cina will be aiming to extend rallies and test Opelka’s movement on the slower surface, but the matchup profiles as one in which service holds should shape the opener. If Opelka lands a high percentage of first serves, the set could stay competitive deep into the scoreboard before one player finally gains the edge. That dynamic makes a long first set a strong possibility as the pair meet in Paris.