“Gaudenzi should leave” Reilly Opelka demands change in ATP Chief over less prize-money

“Gaudenzi should leave” Reilly Opelka demands change in ATP Chief over less prize-money

Reilly Opelka and ATP Chief Andrea Gaudenzi

World No. 18 Reilly Opelka has made a good start to his 2022 season. After a defeat in his season opener, the American fought his way to the semi-finals of the 2022 Sydney Tennis Classic going out in a nervy 3-set battle against former World No. 1 and eventual runner-up Andy Murray. Opelka then played at the 2022 Australian Open where he was defeated by Denis Shapovalov in a close 4-set battle.

Opelka returned home to the USA for the tour events and had a successful return winning the 2022 Dallas Open not having dropped a single set and playing the longest tie-breaker on the Tour with John Isner. He followed up his performance in Dallas at the 2022 Delray Beach Open as well but this time he had to settle for the runner-up trophy losing to Cameron Norrie in the finals.

Having won the inaugural Dallas Open which replaced the New York Open played earlier, Opelka was not happy with the prize money offered in the tournament. While the overall tournament’s financial commitment saw a decrease of 1.50% as compared to the final edition of the New York Open, the champion in Dallas was set to receive a cheque for $107,770 which is a decrease of 10.7% as compared to New York Open.

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With players accepting the prize cut in the Pandemic, the situation has improved vastly with fans now allowed back in the stadiums and Opelka was not happy with ATP Chief Andrea Gaudenzi and the Tour who still continuing to reduce the prize money from the tournaments. “Gaudenzi and his number 2 should leave. Bring in someone else. He sits at home while we play here for less money,” said Opelka as reported by journalist Richard Ingham Evans.

Reilly Opelka withdrew from the 2022 Acapulco Open

Reilly Opelka
Reilly Opelka with his trophy won in Dallas

Having been on the Tour consistently after the Grand Slam in Australia, Opelka finally decided to take a small break and also heal his back injury. As a result, he chose to withdraw his participation from the 2022 Acapulco Open and will miss the final week of action of February.

Opelka should return to Tour at the 2022 Indian Wells Masters which will be played from 10th March and will be followed by the 2022 Miami Masters. With 2000 points on offer across the tournaments, Opelka (World No. 18 with 2156) will fancy his chance to become the highest-ranked American as he currently trails American No. 1 Taylor Fritz (World No. 16 with 2265) by a mere 109 points in ATP rankings.

Also Read: ‘Arrogant and disgraceful’ Alexander Zverev smashes racquet on umpire’s chair after losing the match

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