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“I Don’t Agree With Everything”: Andy Roddick Opens Up on Reilly Opelka’s Honest Take on Tennis

Published 10/11/2021, 3:30 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

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

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.”

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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.”

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

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?  

“There’s No Serena Williams Without Venus Williams”: Reilly Opelka Makes Firm Statement on Williams Sisters

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Written by:

Atri Bhatt

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Atri Bhatt is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. He is pursuing his Master's degree in Sports Management from Deakin University, Australia. In addition to critically analysing the game, he also plays tennis professionally.
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