EXPLOSIVE ALLEGATIONS UNCOVER THREATS MADE TO OPELKA FOLLOWING PTPA LAWSUIT

Threats made to Reilly Opelka have left the tennis world stunned. (Getty/Clive Brunskill)

The ATP is on notice following allegations made by former world No.17 Reilly Opelka, claiming he received threats from the tennis body concerning his stance on the Professional Tennis Players Association's (PTPA's) lawsuit, per Front Office Sports.

Opelka was one of 12 players who put pen to paper for a lawsuit to be filed against the ATP, WTA, ITF and the ITIA relating to the union exposing "systemic abuse, anti-competitive practices and a blatant disregard for player welfare".

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Days after filing the lawsuit, the PTPA filed another case, arguing that the ATP was applying pressure on players to sign pre-prepared statements at last month's Miami Open to deny intel of the legal proceedings.

During a three-hour hearing last week, Opelka explained he was riding an exercise bike when he was suddenly approached by a member of the ATP Player Council. However, he refused to name the player despite only nine people involved in the Council.

He disclosed that he received a warning that financial benefits and legal fees could come into the equation.

The 27-year-old American alleged that ATP Tour Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi was behind the move, but the ATP denied the claims during a court hearing in Manhattan.

A final decision is still pending, with Judge Margaret Garnett overriding claims from the ATP's lawyers, validating Opelka's testimony in the case's early stages.

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