The statistics that defined 2022 – Isner and Opelka take the bots higher in Dallas

What started as a generational all-American semi-final pitting two of the tallest players on the ATP Tour, ended as a statistical anomaly: the longest tiebreak in ATP history!

On his eighth match point, Reilly Opelka’s mini-break ended a run of 26 straight points won by the server, the American toppling John Isner, 7-6(7), 7-6(22) in the final at the Dallas Open.

Prior to that, Opelka had saved 10 set points in this crazy, serve-centric spectacle.

“I lost track”

Wait, how many set points?

“I lost track,” Opelka said with a wry smile after reaching the final.

Busy statisticians kept tabs, however.

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Tennis Majors

Here are some other interesting numbers from the contest:

• Opelka served 39 aces, which is a record for two-set matches since the stat has been kept (1991).
• After this contest, Isner and Opelka had combined for 98 consecutive service holds and played a tiebreaker in their last 12 sets.
  • The pair met again later in the season, in Houston, with Opelka winning, 6-3, 7-6(7).
• Opelka holds the 11-3 lifetime edge in their breakers.
• Isner and Opelka have played 17 sets in their lifetime head-to-head. 14 of them have been decided in a tiebreak.

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‘I despise some things about tennis’ – Reilly Opelka hits out at Wimbledon and tradition

Tennis Majors