Reilly Opelka Retires At Brisbane International, Jiri Lehecka Wins Title

In a bizarre turn of events hours after Naomi Osaka‘s shocking retirement at the ASB Classic final, American Reilly Opelka was forced to retire down 1-4 in the first set at the Brisbane International final.

As a result, Jiri Lehecka is the Brisbane International champion.  He advanced to the Brisbane final after Grigor Dimitrov retired in their semifinal match with a groin injury.

Jiri Lehecka wins the second title of his career (Adelaide 2024, Brisbane 2025) as Reilly Opelka retires after just 15 minutes (down 1-4) in the Brisbane final.

It’s been a week of many retirements in big matches… pic.twitter.com/gCcAEQx22E

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 5, 2025

It was a disappointing and sad end to a big week in Reilly Opelka’s comeback quest.  Citing a back injury that was bothering him the entire day, the 6’11” 27-year-old American’s physical condition is now a question mark for next week where he was slated to play the ASB Classic.

Opelka defeated Novak Djokovic at Brisbane International earlier in the week.  It was his first meeting against the Serbian superstar and ended the American winless drought dating back to 2016 against Djokovic.

Following that match against Djokovic, Opelka said that the Australian Open was an important upcoming event for him.  He also said getting more physically prepared for the grind of professional tennis was a priority.

Opelka was away from the sport for about two years dealing with hip and wrist surgeries.  He began his comeback last summer.  Reilly Opelka has always been known for his serve, but he impressed many with his baseline groundstrokes during his Brisbane run.

Hopefully Reilly Opelka will be recoved for the Australian Open beginning on January 12.