Big serving American Reilly Opelka is copping backlash following his view that tennis should "get rid of doubles" and that "failed singles players" make up the numbers.
Opelka, 27, isn't shy about expressing his tennis views, having recently commenced the 'Nothing Major Podcast' with former American players John Isner, Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock.
But it was Instagram where the 211cm giant caused a stir, explaining that there are no "doubles specialists".
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The world No.117 shared his criticism of the doubles circuit after a fan questioned his "change of heart".
"You once said 'get rid of doubles' when a fan asked you what you would change in tennis," a fan wrote when referring to Opelka's previous defence of doubles players. "So why the change of heart towards doubles now?"
"I was being sarcastic; they should 100% get rid of doubles," Opelka replied. "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."
His opinion has attracted shock on social media amongst the tennis community.
"Wow. Has Reilly Opelka had a tragic experience with doubles?? He's basically calling them bums which is wild," wrote one fan in on X.
Another person commented: "I would rather watch any doubles players on any level than Reilly Opelka playing tennis but maybe that's just me."
Opelka's recent match was a three-set defeat against compatriot Brandon Nakashima at the Delray Beach Open.
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