Ever since the start of the 2025 season, doubles tennis has faced widespread criticism over its popularity. The format has seen a major decline in viewership, with empty stands and low turnout becoming a common factor in doubles matches. Additionally, the US Open announced a major move starting from the 2025 edition, which heated the debate in the tennis world regarding the doubles format. Earlier today, American star Reilly Opelka made a fresh move on social media to continue his attack on the doubles format.

The 27-year-old has strongly criticized the empty stands at doubles matches and even vouched for the format to be scrapped. Moreover, he even questioned the importance of the format, saying that it was for players who had failed in their singles careers. However, his latest move on social media has caught the eyes of many in the tennis world.

Recently, Opelka changed the bio of his Instagram profile. He added the hashtag ‘#watchmoredoubles’ in a sarcastic jab at the format. This was a direct attack by Opelka on the low turnout and popularity of doubles matches, which doesn’t contribute much to the financial aspect of the tournament.

Additionally, Opelka also posted a series of stories on Instagram where he shared some photos of doubles matches along with the caption ‘#watchmoredoubles.’ As if this wasn’t enough, he made a controversial statement that didn’t go down well with many doubles specialists. Opelka said, “At the 250 and 500 level I would say Friday, Saturday, Sunday – doubles. So, you cut the draw in half right then and there. And I would only allow the guys that are in singles to enter the doubles draw.”

Meanwhile, Opelka isn’t the only one who has questioned the contribution of the doubles format to the overall scheme of things. Even his compatriot, Taylor Fritz, had an honest take on the doubles format.

Taylor Fritz questions the importance of mixed doubles

Earlier this year, the US Open announced that the mixed doubles format will be reduced to 16 teams, 8 among them will be on the basis of singles rankings. Additionally, the event will happen a week before the singles competition so that more singles players can play the event. While this didn’t go down well with doubles specialists, Fritz backed this change as the format wasn’t adding much value in its original form.

He revealed, “I think a lot of doubles players will be upset about it, but at the end of the day, the truth of the matter is that mixed doubles, as it was, isn’t adding that much to the Slams. It’s not creating a lot of excitement. They’re not filling up stadiums and stuff.”

Further, Fritz has revealed his interest in playing in the mixed doubles this year at the US Open. Last year, he played in the mixed madness alongside Amanda Anisimova during the US Open Fan Week, where they reached the final. Thus, it’ll be interesting to see if he joins the format this year in New York.