Reilly Opelka faces heat from fans after distasteful comments against doubles specialists saying they are “failed singles players”
Reilly Opelka made a sarcastic comment on Instagram regarding Taylor Fritz's take on the new US Open doubles format.
Follow Us
Taylor Fritz and Reilly Opelka (via X)
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz supported the changes, suggesting that the new schedule might encourage him to participate in doubles, as he wouldn’t have to play during the main draw weeks. However, Fritz also acknowledged the disappointment among doubles players, many of whom are critical of the new format.
Fritz’s statements were posted on Instagram, to which Reilly Opelka gave a sardonic reply, calling Fritz “disrespectful towards doubles specialists” and urging people to cancel him. When a fan questioned his stance, Opelka clarified that he was being sarcastic and reaffirmed his opinion that doubles should be removed from tennis, calling it an event “for failed singles players”.
They should 100% get rid of dubs. It’s for failed singles players. They don’t sell a single ticket, they take up resources…
Reilly Opelka wrote
“They should 100% get rid of dubs. It’s for failed singles players. They don’t sell a single ticket, they take up resources…”
— Christian's Court (@christianscourt) February 19, 2025
Reilly Opelka took to my IG comments with another interesting take on doubles… pic.twitter.com/DOvw6PkM81
Reilly Opelka has won a doubles title alongside Jannik Sinner
Despite his flak of the doubles event, Reilly Opelka has competed in the format several times. Opelka even clinched an ATP 250 title in Atlanta alongside Jannik Sinner in 2021. Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz is yet to win a title in doubles, however, he won the bronze medal in men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics alongside Tommy Paul.
Tennis enthusiasts found Opelka’s comments to be very distasteful considering his own record in singles where he has won only 4 titles, none of them being above ATP 250 level. Fans have also questioned how many people would pay to watch Opelka.
Several prominent tennis players and Grand Slam singles champions have made their mark in doubles as well. The Williams sisters are an unbeaten pair in major doubles finals with 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles. They also won the Olympic gold medal thrice in women’s doubles.
Among men John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg, and Jimmy Connors, and among women Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Margaret Court are some legendary tennis players who have won titles in both singles and doubles in Grand Slams.
Stay Updated!
Lakshya Chopra
(2648 Articles Published)