USA Today via Reuters
Aug 14, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Reilly Opelka of the United States plays a shot against Stefanos Tsiitsipas of Greece in the semi finals of the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 14, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Reilly Opelka of the United States plays a shot against Stefanos Tsiitsipas of Greece in the semi finals of the National Bank Open at Aviva Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Just ahead of Indian Wells, Reilly Opelka took a dig at the media and journalists. According to him, tennis has the worst media of any sport. Opelka criticized the media for being extremely negative. Andy Roddick, the former World No. 1, appreciated Opelka for showcasing his honest opinions on the media.
Roddick also said that every tennis player has the right to share their honest perspective. He believes coverage is a two-way street and Opelka has filled his side of the lane.
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Andy Roddick supported Reilly Opelka
Reilly Opelka did not hold back when talking about the media and tennis journalists at Indian Wells. He said, “These guys are terrible, there are some bad journalists. You have some guys that just criticize. They look to be super negative. I think we have the worst media of any sport, quite frankly.”
via Getty
INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 20: Andy Roddick pumps his fist after winning a point against Robin Soderling of Sweden during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 20, 2010 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
His compatriot, Andy Roddick, came out and supported Opelka for being so forthright. He said that media exposure is not one-sided. He said, “I enjoy when someone just rips the band-aid off.”
well……. we always ask for honesty. Here it is. personally, I love this. coverage is a two way street, and the big guy just filled his lane. I enjoy when someone just rips the band aid off. props @ReillyOpelka https://t.co/wFJFRwFo0H
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 10, 2021
Furthermore, the former World No.1 added, “And to be very clear, I don’t agree w everything he’s said at all. I do agree it’s more interesting to know where players stand on issues. We always want them to be honest until they’re honest 🙂 he should be able to express them the same as I can on TV from the analyst side.”
And to be very clear, I don’t agree w everything he’s said at all. I do agree it’s more interesting to know where players stand on issues. We always want them to be honest until they’re honest 🙂 he should be able to express them the same as I can on TV from the analyst side. https://t.co/t2pkoe8fqb
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) October 10, 2021
Roddick added the caveat that he doesn’t agree with everything that Opelka stated during the interview. However, much like television analysts, athletes must be able to communicate their honest opinions in his opinion.
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Opelka cruised into the round of 32
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP 500 – St Petersburg Open – St Petersburg, Russia – October 15, 2020 Reilly Opelka of the U.S. in action during his second round match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Anton Vaganov
After a disappointing outing at Laver Cup 2021, Reilly Opelka has entered Indian Wells looking to make amends. In his first game, he defeated Taro Daniel of Japan with a convincing straight-set victory. In the round of 32, Opelka will face World No. 28, Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian also registered an easy victory against Daniel Altmaier of Germany without dropping a set.
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The two have only met on one previous occasion, where Opelka emerged victorious, 6-3, 6-4. Who do you think will come out on top this time?
