Former world number one Rohan Bopanna indirectly slams Reilly Opelka’s offensive comments against doubles players; says ‘the sport is changing lives’

Reilly Opelka took a sarcastic dig at Taylor Fritz after the American applauded the new US Open doubles format.

Former world number one Rohan Bopanna indirectly slams Reilly Opelka’s offensive comments against doubles players; says ‘the sport is changing lives’

Rohan Bopanna and Reilly Opelka (via X)

Reilly Opelka has been in the heat of a major controversy after recently reiterating his criticism of the doubles format in tennis. The American star went further to label doubles players as failed singles players. He got schooled by former World No.1 Rohan Bopanna, who explained how the doubles category has changed lives.

It all began when the US Open unveiled its new format for the mixed doubles for this season. The mixed doubles category at the Grand Slam competition was changed to a 16-team draw featuring eight wildcard pairs, while the other eight will be determined according to their ranking. Also, the event will no longer be held during the usual time but a week before the main draw.

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American star Taylor Fritz was one of the first players to react to the news, supporting the new schedule. He also revealed that it will encourage him to play as it’s before the main draw. Surprisingly, Opelka reacted to Fritz’s support by sarcastically taking a dig at his fellow compatriot. He then added that doubles players were failed singles players.

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Opelka’s reaction earned a lot of criticism from fans. Indian doubles legend Bopanna added his voice to the criticism, as he slammed the American player for making such a comment. He added that the doubles category has changed lives.

Understand this – playing doubles and earning an income from it has given me the power to give back in ways that truly matter. It has helped underprivileged children discover the sport, provided education for over 30 girls, and built an academy that nurtures future champions. Those benefitting don’t care if it came from singles or doubles earnings. What matters it’s that it is changing lives. Yet, there are those in their position of privilege who sit back and debate who deserves more or less. They fail to grasp the big picture – the true impact of the sport.

Rohan Bopanna said via X

Nonetheless, Bopanna is regarded as one of the best doubles players of his generation. The Indian legend has won 26 doubles titles on the ATP Tour, including six Masters 1000 events. At the 2024 Miami Open, he became the oldest Masters winner.

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Reilly Opelka reveals why he believes the doubles format needs to be scrapped from Tour

Reilly Opelka has enjoyed success in recent months. In January, he finished as runners-up in Brisbane, after retiring during his final match against Jiri Lehecka. He also earned his biggest career win after beating Novak Djokovic for the first time. However, he was once known for playing in doubles competition.

Reilly Opelka (via X)

In fact, he competed in the category several times and even clinched the 2021 ATP 250 title in Atlanta alongside Jannik Sinner. Notwithstanding, during his criticism of the doubles format he revealed the reason he wanted it to be scrapped from the tour.

There are so few that it doesn’t move the needle.. the best solution would be to cut the doubles draw down to 8 teams and only allow singles player to enter. Or… just get rid of it. They don’t sell a single ticket, they take up practice courts/physios/resources they don’t turn a profit and they complain that they don’t make enough $$.

Reilly Opelka wrote via X

Opelka hasn’t played in the doubles this year. He recently featured at the Dallas Open and Delray Beach Open. There he reached the quarterfinals and round of 16, respectively.