Reilly Opelka Voices John Isner’s Concerns, Calls Out ATP Executives After Miami Open 2021 Prize Money Cut

To economize the tournament, the Miami Open 2021 has cut down more than half of the prize money compared to 2019. The decision led to John Isner opening resistance against the ATP members.

Decidedly, the tournament reduced 60% to 80% of the prize money of all players and champions, respectively. Following that, the 2018 Miami Open champion voiced his frustration on Twitter.

John said that ‘ATP is a broken system’. Moreover, he explained that while players suffer the cost-cutting, the ATP executives enjoy a full salary with all benefits.

Also, the 35-year-old compared the tennis structure’s incompatibly like other sports. Now, John Isner‘s friend and compatriot, Reilly Opelka, has backed him up with harsher realities.

Read More: Following Rafael Nadal’s Withdrawal, Daniil Medvedev to Possibly Break the Big 4 Stranglehold at ATP Rotterdam

Opelka opens up on Miami’s decision on prize reduction

First of all, the 23-year-old Opelka responded to the prize reduction tweet. In his tweet, he expressed the inequality between players and the ATP executives.

More than that, the young American highlighted Isner’s point on how other sports are more structured. Also, Opelka emphasized that the ATP executives should take the same cut as the players.

“Hard for things to change when our board members do NOT serve terms,” he tweeted. “Also, almost 50% of our board members would be considered “conflicts of interest” in any other sport or company.”

Furthermore, Opelka talked about how the absence of board members in the Cincinnati Masters and US Open last year affected him.

“Not only are they not willing to take a salary cut, but they are also not willing to show up to any of our events. Was really shocked when our execs were not present when we reopened in Cincy/NY,” Opelka wrote.

To sum up, the joint-tallest player on the ATP tour took a dig at the prize money at the Miami Open. To break even, he will have to win more matches in the week. He tweeted, “If I break even, then it’s a big week for me!”

Read More: “Can Realistically Do”- Wimbledon Championships 2021 Reveal Their Take On In-House Spectators 

Some good news for Miami Open

Apart from the prize money cut, Miami Open 2021 will host Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. This presence of the Big 3 at the same event for the first time since Australia 2020 will attract crowds as well as sponsors.

The defending champion of the Miami Open, Federer, will restart his tennis career in Doha on March 8th. His form will play a key role in understanding how he would fare in Miami. Until then, though, the prize money debate will be the center of all tennis news from Florida. 

What are your thoughts on Isner and Opelka’s stand against the ATP?

Also Read: “Cant’ Wait, Roger!”: Venus Williams Excited as Roger Federer Begins His Comeback Countdown