ATP slam Reilly Opelka for lacking credibility in lawsuit testimony as PTPA tug of war case continues
ATP
Reilly Opelka has been blasted by the ATP as lacking credibility in his version of events brought to the court with the American testifying that ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi had instructed a player to warn him of lost pensions and legal fees if they continued with the PTPA lawsuit.
The ATP denied they sent such a message albeit they don't deny briefing the Players Council on a bylaw of fee shifting which burdens the member with the legal fees from an unsuccessful lawsuit. This meaning that part of it was deemed to be true of sorts.
In a letter to the court, the ATP's counsel Brad Ruskin didn't mince his words about the American in a letter released by Daniel Kaplan on his Substack. The only reporter inside the courtroom for the first round of ATP v PTPA.
“Mr. Opelka’s repetition of mistruths highlights the problem with second-hand information (from an unidentified source) and the reason it cannot serve as a basis to restrain ATP’s speech. That Mr. Opelka’s declaration said nothing about Mr. Gaudenzi further undermines Mr. Opelka’s credibility and the reliability of his allegations, made in court, for the first time, regarding Mr. Gaudenzi.”
His credibility was further questioned as he decided not to attend the hearing to give his testimony in person as he was playing in Barcelona. He said that he was playing a tournament tomorrow but he wasn't playing for at least three more days after that.
“Plaintiffs represented that Mr. Opelka had to `be in Barcelona on April 11 to compete in the Barcelona Open’ and insinuated that ATP was effectively retaliating against him by forcing him to miss play, ‘forfeit prize money and risk losing rankings points.’ At the hearing, counsel doubled down, saying: `He is playing in a tournament tomorrow.’ However, as Mr. Opelka admitted on cross, his first match was not scheduled to take place until April 14 at the earliest.”
The PTPA on the otherhand used a lot of previous arguments of pressuring players not to sign lawsuits and the threats they were given.
“Pampoulov (an ATP Board director) admitted that when he approached one of those players, Sascha Zverev, in his private suite, he asked Zverev to sign the statement then and there—even providing a pen with which Zverev could sign it—despite knowing that Zverev had not been present for the full meeting at the time this statement was discussed with [Player] Council members
“Bans, loss of pensions, legal costs, ostracism, private pressure—these are all tools ATP is wielding.”
But now these letters will be assessed by Judge Margaret Garnett who is expecting to reach a decision on that this week but it is the first part of what will be a long running case.
Gloves are coming off in the PTPA-ATP lawsuit, with tour saying Reilly Opelka--an ATP player--has no credibility in his pro-PTPA testimony, and even suggests he misled the court 4 his reason 4 testifying at a recent hearing remotely instead of in-personhttps://t.co/9JBUQ2GBP4
— Daniel Kaplan (@KaplanSportsBiz) April 20, 2025
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
