"Tennis isn't just about rankings or money" - Rohan Bopanna fires back at Reilly Opelka's scathing remarks about doubles players

American tennis player Reilly Opelka had some harsh words for his doubles colleagues over the weekend, causing doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna to speak out against the vitriolic comments.

In a social media post, Opelka took shots at doubles players. The World No.112 called for the ATP to get rid of doubles, claiming it did not draw any fans and was used by failed singles players to make money.

"They should 100% get rid of doubles," said Opelka in an Instagram post. "It's for failed singles players, there's no such thing as a doubles specialist."They don't sell a single ticket, they take up practice courts/physios/resources. They don't turn a profit and they complain that they don't make enough money. That's pretty greedy if you ask me."

Bopanna, a former World No.1 in doubles, did not appreciate Opelka's comments. The Indian tennis star released a statement on social media, addressing the American's harsh comments.

"For all those who dismiss doubles tennis, understand this: Playing doubles and earning money from it has given me the power to give back in a way that truly matters," began Bopanna in a lengthy statement on Twitter. "It has introduced underprivileged children to the sport, provided an education to over 30 girls, and enabled an academy to develop future champions.
"And let me tell you, those who benefit from these opportunities don’t care whether the support comes from singles or doubles winnings. What matters is that it changes lives. Yet some, in their position of privilege, are content to debate who deserves more or less. They fail to grasp the bigger picture, which is the true impact of the sport.
"Tennis isn’t just about rankings or money; it’s about the doors it opens, the lives it changes, and the opportunities it creates. If you can't respect that, then you're not really respecting the game."