Rohan Bopanna Responds After Reilly Opelka Calls For Doubles to be Scrapped in Tennis

Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna on Friday (February 21) responded to to American player Reilly Opelka's proposal to scrap doubles amidst changes to the US Open mixed doubles competition.

The US Open announced an overhaul to the mixed doubles tournament format, with 16 teams participating instead of 32, while the qualification process has also been changed, with eight teams earning direct entry via their combined singles ranking - as opposed to their combined doubles ranking.

Opelka, who has been critical of doubles tennis, suggested that the format should be scrapped to prioritize singles matches. Bopanna, a former World No. 1 doubles player and a Grand Slam champion, however, strongly disagreed with Opelka's viewpoint.

The Indian tennis great took to social media to reply to Opelka's comment, highlighting the importance of doubles in the tennis ecosystem and the role in providing opportunities for players who may not excel in singles.

"For everyone dismissing doubles tennis- understand this: playing doubles and earning an income from it has given me the power to give back in ways that truly matter," Bopanna posted on X.

"It has helped underprivileged children discover the sport, provided education for over 30 girls, and built an academy that nurtures future champions. And let me tell you-those benefiting from these opportunities don't care whether the support comes from singles or doubles earnings. What matters is that it's changing lives."

Opelka made his comment after top-ranked American male tennis player Taylor Fritz expressed support for the US Open move. The 27-year-old posted on his Instagram account, "Disrespectful towards doubles specialists... let's cancel this guy @taylor_fritz."

After a fan brought up how he used to slam doubles in the past, the big-serving American clarified, "I was being sarcastic they should 100% get rid of dubs."

"It's for failed singles players, there's no such thing as a 'doubles specialist'.. they don't sell a single ticket, they take up practice courts/physios/resources they don't turn a profit and they complain that they don't make enough $$. That's pretty greedy behavior if you ask me."