“We Need New Leadership” – Reilly Opelka Says ATP CEO Needs To Step Down, Suggests Big Changes in Tennis
Follow Us
Reilly Opelka is currently the top-ranked American male player on the ATP tour. World No. 17 arrives at the BNP Paribas Open with high ambitions in mind. He has also been quite active and vocal when it comes to the issues that the ATP and the current leadership in the association have to deal with.
Recently, speaking to TENNIS.com, Opelka opened up about why exactly he felt that tennis associations were not doing great in terms of controlling the fraternity, and what sort of changes were required urgently to somewhat salvage the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reilly Opelka Reacts to Rafael Nadal Politely Shutting Down a Reporter For Making a Factual Error
Reilly Opelka calls the ATP a classic ‘boys’ club’
Opelka also spoke about how the current structure needed a change, while constantly disclaiming that he did not mean to offend anyone personally.
“I think Andrea Gaudenzi needs to step down from his position. I think we need new leadership. I mean, I don’t mean it in a bad way. It’s not a personal dig at them. I think they’re nice guys. Massimo [Calvelli] is a nice guy. But I don’t quite get it. Why are we going for guys that were in tennis?” he said.
Trending
What Does Danielle Collins’ Boyfriend Do? Everything to Know about Their Lowkey Relationship
February 15, 2024 11:39 AM EST
‘I’m Sick of That’ – Danielle Collins Gets Defensive at the Mere Mention of Her Parents’ Absence at Miami Open
March 27, 2024 05:03 PM EDT
Miami Open 2024: Prize Money Breakdown, Winner’s Pay-check, and More
March 20, 2024 07:58 AM EDT
Does Danielle Collins Have a Coach? Everything to Know About Her Quirky Equation With Jared Jacobs
March 29, 2024 02:35 AM EDT
Miami Open: Hawk-Eye Baffles Victoria Azarenka as She Reacts in Shock to Elena Rybakina’s Sheer Luck
March 28, 2024 09:43 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He was also incredulous how people like Massimo went from being a part of the larger tennis fraternity to becoming one of the bosses of one of the biggest sports in the world.
Watch This Story: Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic’s best off-court moments
“No offence to Massimo but you don’t go from being a Nike rep and being in charge of sending packages or getting the right clay court shoes to Rublev, to being a CEO of one of the biggest global sports. This just doesn’t happen in any other sport,” he added in this context.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Opelka expresses his views on the importance of Indian Wells Masters on the tour
Opelka also spoke about how Indian Wells is one of the biggest tournaments on the tennis calendar. This is not only because the top players from both the ATP and WTA tour feature together but also the player council and board meetings are held in the Californian desert. Players also engage in their off-court duties like photoshoots because of the picturesque backdrop the Indian Wells Tennis Garden offers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite all the issues, the 24-year-old is looking forward to the inaugural Masters 1000 of the year. Seeded 17th in the draw, Opelka received a bye in his opening round. He will lock horns against Lorenzo Musetti in the second round.
Edited by:
Niranjan Deodhar