Reilly Opelka has been in brilliant touch during the second half of the 2021 season. He has been blowing away opponents one by one, rising up the rankings in the process. Currently taking part in the US Open 2021, Opelka has steamrolled past his opponents to enter the fourth round. However, a peculiar incident occurred in the American’s Round-2 encounter against Lorenzo Musetti. Due to an unapproved bag, he was fined a large sum by the tournament.

Reilly Opelka fined $10,000 for carrying inappropriate bag

The 22nd seed Reilly Opelka was due for a monumental 2nd round battle against the formidable Musetti. Yet, Opelka walked out with a bright pink bag, a choice that raised many eyebrows. He held the bag along with his kit and a number of rackets. This bag that read ‘Tim Van Laere Gallery’ however, was the cause of controversy very soon. Just a couple of days later, it was revealed that Opelka was being fined by the US Open for sporting the bag.

According to the rule book, the logos on any sporting identifications cannot exceed 4 square inches. However, the logo on the bag carried by Opelka was reportedly too large. Thus, the United States Tennis Association charged the tall hometown favorite a sum of $10,000 for his actions. Following the incident, Opelka even hit back at the tournament for their ridiculous rules. And now, a tennis legend has come in support of him.

Trending

Carlos Alcaraz Injury: Mutua Madrid Open Plans Delayed Further as the Spaniard’s Title Defense Gets Trickier

April 20, 2024 09:00 PM EDT

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT

Laureus Awards 2024: How and Where Can Fans Watch the Likes of Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and Others Gracing the Event

April 22, 2024 05:54 AM EDT

After Alexander Zverev’s Outburst, Tennis Fans Bash ‘Unplayable’ Munich Conditions as Felix Auger-Aliassime Turns Second Victim

April 20, 2024 11:01 AM EDT

Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka

April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“We are Bakers”: Serena Williams Engages in Adorable Chat with Daughter Olympia While Baking a ‘Rainbow Cake’

Andy Roddick states what makes Opelka’s fine ‘worth it’

Many players and tennis geeks have come in support of the big-hitting American following the incident. One of them is the former American sensation Andy Roddick. The ex-Slam finalist has many similarities with Opelka – big serves, booming forehands, and very athletic for their build. On social media, Roddick spoke about how the buzz around the whole situation has been of a bigger magnitude than the fine itself.

In a recent tweet, Roddick said, “The press stories the big guy [Opelka] is getting for this company through his 10k fine is totally worth it. If I’m the company I pay the fine for him, and have him take the bag back out again for next match.” He also had another solution. “Or you will start seeing other companies finding players to run the same program Opelka did. If I was an agent, I’d be on the phone finding a bag deal that far outpaces the 10k fine.”

Andy Roddick definitely made a lot of sense, while still making light of the situation. What do you think about Opelka’s fine? Do you agree with what Roddick had to say? Do comment below.