The left side of the draw at the 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open featured four Americans vying for two spots in the semifinals on Friday. The first all-American matchup featured Atlanta-native and crowd favorite Donald Young taking on 18-year-old Reilly Opelka of Michigan, who entered the tournament only ranked 837th in the world. He had been ranked as high as fourth in the ITP and is currently being coached by former  ATP World Tour star Tom Gullikson.

Opelka was given a wildcard into the tournament and has made the most of his opportunity. He pulled off the upset of the tournament thus far earlier in the week, dispatching third-seeded Kevin Anderson in three sets.

His dream run in Atlanta continued on Friday, as he took out seventh-seeded Donald Young in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4. Young, who grew up in Atlanta, was simply out-played today by the former boys’ singles champion at Wimbledon.

Opelka breaks immediately and takes first set

After being treated to a great quarterfinal match between Nick Kyrgios and Fernando Verdasco, the Atlanta crowd was excited for this all-American affair. Having just taken out the number three seed in exciting fashion, Opelka entered this match with confidence, and it showed early on.

The 18-year-old broke Young in the very first game of the match thanks to two early double faults from the Atlanta native. After the third game, the chair umpire uncharacteristically fell ill, which caused a long delay. After calling the match just before between Kyrgios and Verdasco, fan-favorite Mohamed Lahyani came back to call his second consecutive match of the hot day.

As play resumed, nothing really changed between the two Americans. Young did see two break points in the opening set, but Opelka’s big serve bailed him out. The tall American rode that opening break out, claiming the first set 6-4 in 41 minutes.

Donald Young struggled throughout the match, but kept it competitive. In the end, however, it wasn't enough. Credit: Kevin Cox/Getty Images
Donald Young struggled throughout the match, but kept it competitive. In the end, however, it wasn't enough. Credit: Kevin Cox/Getty Images

18-year-old completes upset in impressive fashion

Throughout the opening set, Young’s body language quickly dropped off, and the 27-year-old did not improve on that part of his game. Both players held to begin the second set. The six foot 11 American broke Young in the fifth game to go up three games to two.

Just like the narrative of the first set, Opelka hung on to that break tightly, ensuring he could ride it out until the end. His plan worked to perfection, as Young’s struggled continued to mount. Up five games to four, Opelka served for the match and converted on his second match point to extend his miracle week in Atlanta.

With his victory, Opelka’s ranking will now be cut in half. He will go from 837th in the world into the 400’s, which will be vital for him moving forward in terms of getting into more tournaments.

The young American advances into his first Atlanta semifinal, where he will face three-time Atlanta champion John Isner. This semifinal will be played on Saturday, not before 7:00 PM local time.

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About the author
Jake Best
Jake Best is a student at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, majoring in journalism as well as minoring in French and Francophone studies. Beyond tennis, Jake has an interest in politics. He is the former president of Gators 4 Hillary. He also enjoys NFL football, baseball as well as world travel.