‘Come to Despise Some Things’ – American Star Reilly Opelka Gets Real as He Drops Truth Bombs on Tennis Administration

Wimbledon, apart from being the only grass-based majors, is also the only tournament that follows a dress code. From players on the court to spectators in the royal box, everyone has to dress in a certain way. While many find this tradition a way of keeping the uniqueness of the event alive, others, such as the American ace Reilly Opelka, believe that the sternness around the rules is a violation of a person’s rights.

Recently Opelka, who is fairly interested in fashion, opened up about the all-white outfit rule of Wimbledon. He shared his concerns and criticized the people who still support the tradition.

Reilly Opelka slams Wimbledon’s tradition

The 25-year-old in an interview spoke about how the sport lacks in terms of having unique elements and then diverted his focus on the dress code of Wimbledon. He said, “I’ve come to hate tradition. And, obviously, tennis is all tradition. Look at Wimbledon–that’s what it is. And it’s not for me.”

Thereafter, he added, “The more I’ve gotten into fashion and art, the more I’ve come to despise some things about tennis. The kits themselves, they’re all the same colours, they’re all so similar.” Opelka in his entire career has made up to the third round of the Grand Slam. However, this season he failed even to get to the last 32.

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The American faced a second round dismissal against Tim van Rijthoven, who later fell prey to eventual victor Novak Djokovic.

Opelka’s inconsistent performances this season

The 6’11” professional boasts a performance graph filled with ups and downs this year. At first, he claimed the title in the Dallas Open, following which he lost his Delray Beach Open title to the Brit Cameron Norrie in straight sets. Thereafter, he gave a series of subpart performance in the rest of the hard court season.

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Then, in the clay courts of ATP Huston, he not only bounced back but defeated the 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios in order to make it to the finals and clinch the trophy. However, post that, he faced yet another array of opening round exits till Geneva Open. In the ATP 250 event, Opelka executed a decent run till the semifinals and lost to the eventual winner, Casper Ruud.