Reilly Opelka has been impressive in the last few seasons on the ATP Tour. The current World No. 18 has been vocal about the recent battle between the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and the ATP and WTA councils. The decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes has seen a massive controversy in the tennis world.

The American has claimed 4 career titles already, but has failed to make it through the latter stages in Grand Slams. However, he did not seem too pleased with the recent controversy.

Reilly Opelka has his say on Wimbledon ban

While Opelka is planning to be part of the draw ahead of the Championships this month, he believes the current situation in Ukraine is a major issue for conflict in the sporting world. He took to Twitter, saying, “Sport is the ultimate meritocracy. When you take some of the best players in the world out of the draw based on merit you erode the integrity of the event.”

https://twitter.com/ReillyOpelka/status/1534297316328411143?s=20&t=PtiEi3sQEBRy4_OQgayULA

“It?s about the competitive advantage given to players, like myself by virtue to other great players not being able to play,” he added.

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Another tweet read, “A lot of people seem to be missing the ?point? it?s not about the ?points?. I believe Wimbledon 2022 will be an inferior accomplishment due to the absence of the best possible field.”

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The likes of soon-to-be World No.1 Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Victoria Azarenka will be absent from the main draw after the ruling. However, with the ATP and WTA’s decision to remove ranking points, we could see some big names withdrawing from the tournament.

Opelka opens up about ‘discrimination’ caused by Wimbledon

In April, the 6′ 11″ American responded to a fan, indicating his displeasure with the decision. He has constantly spoken out against the ruling, calling it ‘discriminatory’ and ‘xenophobic.’ Moreover, with many big names expected to miss out, the winner of the tournament will register no points in the official rankings.

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This could be a massive blow for the Club’s reputation in the battle with the ATP and WTA. The Wimbledon Championships get underway on 27th June this year.