"I believe Wimbledon 2022 will be an inferior accomplishment" - Opelka speaks out on Wimbledon ban controversy

Tennis star Reilly Opelka has always been one to voice his opinions, and the American created headlines again based on his views regarding the Wimbledon ban controversy.

The tournament organizers have chosen to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing at the All England Club this year due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a result, several top stars are set to miss the event, including soon-to-be World No.1 Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka and Aryna Sabalenka.

This has led both the ATP and WTA to strip Wimbledon of it's ranking points. causing the speculation that some players could skip the event. However, Opelka believes the lack of ranking points is not the main issue at hand.

"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," wrote the American on Twitter. "It’s about the competitive advantage given to players, like myself by virtue to other great players not being able to play.

"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.”

With Wimbledon set to kickoff on June 27th, it will be interesting to see if any players will opt to skip the third Grand Slam of the season.