Is Boynton Elevating Opelka’s Serve? Draper Discovers the Truth in Miami…
Quinn Triumphs Over Ruud, Paul Moves Forward
March 20, 2026
Image Credit: Getty Images
Craig Boynton and Reilly Opelka’s Partnership Since January
By Sam Jacot
Reilly Opelka’s serve has long been one of the fiercest in tennis, but it seems to have reached new heights this season. The American attributes this surge to working with his new coach, Craig Boynton, who has a history of transforming the serves of top-tier players like John Isner and Hubert Hurkacz.
In 2025, Opelka ranked second for the most aces on Tour, just behind Taylor Fritz, according to Infosys ATP Stats. He blasted 790 unreturnable serves over 49 matches, averaging 16.1 aces per outing. This season, he has already launched 254 aces in a mere 10 matches, catapulting his average to an impressive 25.4 aces per match.
After defeating British lefty Jack Draper in the Miami Open presented by Itau, Opelka shared his enthusiasm for his collaboration with Boynton. “We’ve implemented some technical adjustments and focused on my returns. The stats might not reflect it in terms of break points, but my performance with balls in play is showing promising progress,” he noted after clinching a 7-6(3), 7-6(0) victory.
“I’m serving at my best right now. My motion and technique have never felt better. While it’s still early days, I truly believe I couldn’t have chosen a better coach,” Opelka added.
In his first-round match in Miami, Opelka recorded a staggering 27 aces against Nuno Borges, followed by 25 aces against Draper, who was making a comeback from a left arm injury. Opelka is now just one match away from reaching the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament for the first time since Indian Wells in 2022, with upcoming opponents being either Taylor Fritz or Botic van de Zandschulp.
In other thrilling action from Miami, Ethan Quinn continued his stellar form by defeating 11th seed Casper Ruud with a score of 6-4, 7-6(7). After capturing the title at the ATP Challenger event in Phoenix last week, Quinn saved seven set points in the second set against Ruud, now poised to face Jiri Lehecka or #NextGenATP star Moise Kouame in the third round.
American tennis star Tommy Paul also advanced, overcoming Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. Paul had a remarkable run in Delray Beach earlier this season, reaching the finals. He is set to meet either Flavio Cobolli or Raphael Collignon next in Miami.
