American Tennis Star Reilly Opelka Slams Doubles Format After 4 Walk-Overs at Indian Wells

The traditional tennis format of doubles has often drawn criticism from some of the biggest names on the ATP tour. Reilly Opelka, the American tennis star, also falls into the same category of people who do not hold the doubles format in high regard. The former top-20 player has once again used his platform to shed light on the lack of interest in the game during the BNP Paribas Open.

A lot of big names in the tournament have already withdrawn from the doubles event of the tournament in California. The reason behind the same has largely been the prioritization of their singles matches. Taking note of those withdrawals, Opelka has once again expressed his frustration over the traditional tennis format.

Reilly Opelka slams the doubles event during the BNP Paribas Open

The American ATP star has never shied away from bluntly expressing his opinion on the prevailing issues in the tennis community. And the same has been made apparent by his recent social media post in which he slammed one of the oldest tennis traditions. It is the doubles format of the game that has often irked Reilly Opelka, who regards it inferior to singles matches.

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Speaking of it, the former top-20 player brought to light the lack of interest among both the audiences and top-seeded players. Opelika’s concerns are somewhat justified given the recent withdrawals from the Indian Wells Masters. From the doubles duos of Cameron Norrie and Lucas Miedler to the renowned pair of Francisco Cerundolo/Diego Schwartzman, have pulled out of the tournament owing to their priorities for the singles event.

Taking note of the number of withdrawals, Opelka took to his Instagram Story to criticize the doubles event. His caption clearly suggested his frustration over the same as he said, “4 walk overs in only two rounds of doubles at Indian Wells..”

Some of the journalists were not impressed with the ATP player’s initial criticism of the format. They claimed that the American duo of Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula managed to entice a slew of spectators during the same event. Answering them with another blunt response, Opelka pointed out that only some of the top-seeded players have managed to draw a large audience.

Opelka previously commented on the same matter

This is not the first time when Opelka has been vocal about the traditional doubles format of the game. The American tennis player, who has often slammed doubles players, previously made his intention clear during his Q&A session. Fans were intrigued to ask him whether he likes to see some changes on the men’s circuit.

It received a sharp answer from Opelka, who openly shared his opinion of getting rid of the doubles from the tournaments.

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What do you think of Opelika’s opinion on the format of the game? Let us know in the comments section.