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Reilly Opelka added more weight to his stance against doubles tennis, saying that the continuation of the ATP doubles tour is harmful to the economic health of the professional circuit. Opelka highlighted that stats and numbers prove that doubles events do not generate enough revenue to even cover the cost of organizing them.
Opelka has been quite vocal of late regarding his displeasure with the format, even publicly declaring that the ATP should 'get rid of' doubles. The American player, who has been away from the tour since August last year due to multiple injuries, was recently quizzed about how his views might be seen in the locker room, particularly by players who earn their livelihood through doubles tennis.
Speaking on the Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast, Opelka defended his stance by pointing out that the economics of the sport also support his viewpoint.
"I'm just speaking what I feel is the truth," Reilly Opelka said. "It's really hard to argue with facts and math. If they can present a point to me at the ATP 250 and 500 level that shows that they bring in the money that costs to have them there, let alone prize money, then perfect. But the numbers point to me."
The former singles World No. 17 clarified that he has no intentions of negatively impacting players' careers by calling for the scrapping of the doubles circuit. However, he further opined that singles players outside the Top-100 can also be provided more financial assistance if costs from doubles are freed up.
"It's just the truth, it's a harsh reality. I'm not doing it to take food off someone's plate by any means," Opelka added.
"If we look at the economics of the sport, which is a big concern, you can't have it all. People are like, 'Oh, we need to help guys outside the Top-150, 100.' I agree. But how do you do that? There's one way to look at it right there," he expressed.
Opelka is a title winner on the doubles circuit, having won the 2021 Atlanta Open with Jannik Sinner.
Reilly Opelka set to miss claycourt season as he recovers from new injury issue
Reilly Opelka has confirmed he will miss the entirety of the clay-court season as he is still two months away from resuming training after suffering a wrist injury. Opelka has been absent from the tour since early August 2022 mainly due to a hip injury that required surgery. While he was set for a comeback in Dallas last month, a wrist problem derailed his plans. The 6'11" tall American is yet to set a date for his comeback.
"I'm really hoping to get the racquet in my hands in two months or so. Then, its hard to say. I'm not putting a timeline, I want to make sure I'm ready and fit, that's more important to me," Reilly Opelka said on the same.
He also hinted that Wimbledon is still part of his plans for the season, but it all depends on how quickly he feels match-ready after resuming training in mid-May. Wimbledon 2022 was Opelka's last Grand Slam appearance.
