Tennis has a huge fanbase that is interested in following singles matches. There are players like Reilly Opelka who are vehemently against the doubles category because it doesn’t bring many eyes to the sport. However, there have been legendary doubles duos like Serena Williams and Venus Williams which the crowd loved. In this generation, we have seen Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff dominating the doubles category. Rising singles and doubles player Jessica Pegula has broken her silence over his point of view and seems to disagree with what he has to say.

Crowds have flocked in to watch some legendary duos play the doubles. This is something that contributes to the spirit of tennis and Pegula is all for it.

Jessica Pegula shuns down the doubles criticism of Reilly Opelka as she thrives alongside Coco Gauff

After cruising into the next round of the Miami Open, Pegula is aiming to clinch the title. Her performance since last year has garnered a lot of attention.

Excelling in both singles and doubles categories, Pegula seems to disagree with Opelka’s dislike of the doubles category. In the post-match conference, when she was asked about her perspective on Opelka’s views. Responding to his comments, she stated, “I think Reilly may be a little bored. He is entitled to that opinion, but I personally love playing doubles.”

Seeing things from his perspective, Pegula gave her take.

She said, “Recreationally most players play doubles. So I think there is some sort of fan base there.” However, she feels that there is still potential in the doubles category that needs to be nurtured. Quoting the example of women’s doubles leagues, she said, “It’s their whole life. It’s so popular. Maybe we just haven’t reached it.” 

Last year, she played alongside Coco Gauff at multiple tournaments and their matches brought in a lot of support. Reminiscing about that, she said, “Playing with Coco, we get great crowds. But, also, it is because our singles rankings are also very high. It’s a Catch-22.” 

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Pegula is world no. 5 in the singles category and no. 3 in the doubles. Besides her, Gauff is world no. 6 in singles and 3 in the doubles category. This year the duo has already won a doubles title at Qatar Open. Now, they are competing together to win at the Miami Open.

How has playing doubles kept Pegula in form? 

It is not just attention and support that Pegula loves while playing doubles alongside Gauff. It helps her to brush up her skills and step up her singles performance too. She stated, “I love to stay in competition mode.” This helps her stay aware of things she needs to work on instead of hitting the ball blankly.

Pointing out the fact that a lot of doubles players also love playing in that format of the game and earn a decent living out of it, she said, “I don’t agree with his rash comments personally, but that’s his opinion.” 

Reilly Opelka highly condemned the doubles player and the category in itself. He attributed the doubles players to be the “most overpaid” players.

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Though it might irk some, do you think the doubles category is irrelevant to the sport? Let us know your views in the comments below.