Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/560492
WIMBLEDON J UN I O R SL A M SP O T L I GH T J U N I O R SL A M S P O T L I G H T J UN I O R SL A M S P O T L I GH T S urprisingly, if it wasn't for the game of golf, American Reilly Opelka most likely wouldn't have ever become the 2015 Wimbledon boys' champion. A chance meeting between Opelka's father, George, and then Palm Coast resident Tom Gullikson, a former USA Davis Cup captain, on a local golf course shortly after the Opelkas moved to the Florida town, led to the younger Opelka's piqued interest in the game. "Tom Gullikson is the only reason I'm still playing tennis," Opelka said. "We had just moved to Florida when I was seven and my father went to play golf alone and found Tom playing golf alone, and my dad said, 'Do you want to play?' I had just started tennis at the time, had a few lessons, and over time I started hitting with (Tom) and he's mentored me my whole life. He's the best coach I've ever been able to work with." Now 17-year-old Opelka is a Wimbledon champion, the second consecutive American boy to win the prestigious title, defeating 12th-seeded Mikael Ymer of Sweden 76 64 in the final. Not surprisingly, the 6-foot-10-inch Opelka is a suave server, which was key to his victory. He knew he didn't face a break point in the final, but was unaware he hit one serve at 134 mph. "I try not to pay attention 'cause then I'll start thinking like, 'Oh, I can hit it harder,'" he said. "Let's go for 138 this time. Next thing you know, my serves are going to be bouncing at the baseline." The unseeded Opelka's victory was in peril when he faced a match point playing Australian qualifier Alex De Minaur in the first round before securing a 46 63 1311 win. From there, he mowed down third seed Corentin Denolly, tenth seed William Blumberg, top seed Taylor Fritz in the semis, and Ymer en route to the title. Opelka also journeyed to the Wimbledon doubles final, partnering Akira Santillan of Japan. The fourth seeds came up short against eighth seeds Nam Hoang Ly of Vietnam and Sumit Nagal of India 76 64. The height-endowed Opelka's biggest concern regarding attending the Wimbledon ball as a champion: being fitted with a tuxedo for the occasion. Not to worry. The Wimbledon folks had the extra tall evening wear ready and waiting. OPELKA'S TOWERING PERFORMANCE JUNIOR GRAND SLAMS 22 ITFWORLD SUMMER 2015