Reilly Opelka has reignited controversy with his sharp criticism of doubles tennis, a format he has long dismissed. Doubles has faced declining popularity, with empty stands and low viewership becoming the norm. The US Open’s recent announcement of changes to its mixed doubles format for 2025 further fueled the debate. While many called it a “pseudo-exhibition,” Opelka sarcastically quipped, “Wait…mixed dubs wasn’t always an exhibition?” This isn’t new for Opelka. A year ago, he bluntly stated, “Get rid of doubles,” in response to a fan’s Instagram question about changes he’d make to the ATP. Clearly, he hasn’t backed down.
Known for his outspoken views, Opelka recently took a sarcastic jab at the struggling doubles format by changing his Instagram bio to “#watchmoredoubles.” Earlier this week, he also shared Instagram stories featuring photos of empty stands at doubles matches, captioned with the same hashtag. This was clearly a dig at the declining popularity and financial relevance of doubles tennis. Now he’s dropping a new take on his hashtag with merch!
On Friday, the American posted a story of him sitting on a couch wearing a white t-shirt that reads ‘Watch More Doubles’! It seems like the player isn’t letting this one go down easy.
Earlier, he proposed cutting the draw in half at ATP 250 and 500 tournaments and limiting doubles entries to players already competing in singles. “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,” he said. Interestingly, the phrase gained traction when World No. 51 Alexandre Muller used it in defense of doubles.
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Italian Open – Foro Italico, Rome, Italy – May 14, 2021 Reilly Opelka of the U.S. in action during his quarter final match against Argentina’s Federico Delbonis REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
After a match at the Rio Open, Muller signed an on-court camera with “Watch more doubles,” directly countering Opelka’s criticism. This ironic back-and-forth has turned “Watch More Doubles” into a rallying cry for both sides of the debate, highlighting the polarizing opinions surrounding the future of doubles tennis.
But while the rest of the community has expressed disappointment in Reilly Opelka, Andy Roddick seems to be impressed by his outspoken persona!
Andy Roddick sides with Opelka over doubles controversy
The American, never shy about his opinions, reignited the debate after mocking the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles format. Sarcastically calling it “an exhibition” and doubled down on his stance, saying, “They should 100% get rid of dubs. It’s for failed singles players.” Former pro Andy Roddick, while not always agreeing with Opelka, praised his boldness, saying, “Reilly Opelka love him or hate him, you rarely have to wonder what he is thinking and he is certainly not scared to tell you what he is thinking,” on the ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast.
On the other side of the debate, two-time Grand Slam winner and former doubles No. 1 Rohan Bopanna defended the discipline with a heartfelt post on X. He highlighted how doubles has allowed him to make a real difference in people’s lives, writing, “Playing doubles and earning an income from it has given me the power to give back in ways that truly matter.”
He credited the format for funding education for over 30 girls, supporting underprivileged children, and building an academy for future champions. Bopanna also criticized those dismissing doubles from positions of privilege, stating they “fail to grasp the bigger picture—the true impact of this sport.”
Now with Opelka heading into upcoming tournaments and keeping the doubles debate alive, it’s clear this discussion is far from over. Will we hear more from him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post 27YO American Ace Takes His Criticism Towards Men’s Doubles to Next Level With a Bold Stance appeared first on EssentiallySports.
