Mardy Fish was left stunned after hearing about Reilly Opelka’s radical comments about doubles as the former American tennis star said the 27-year-old was “out of his mind.”
After making some pretty critical remarks about doubles in the past, the big-serving American went even further this week by ripping doubles players as “failed singles players.”
Also, Opelka directly stated that doubles should be removed as a competition.
Rohan Bopanna, a doubles Grand Slam winner and a former world No. 1, responded by issuing a deep statement, in which he explained how he used the money he made through doubles to create some opportunities for the underprivileged.
American Davis Cup team captain Fish noticed the Indian’s statement and he wondered: “Who is bashing doubles Bops? Send me names and addresses.”
Then he got his answer,
“Your friend Riley Opelka. Terrible take from him. He said doubles are for failed single players. He’s young so obviously immature,” Mathias Degardin explained.
Who is bashing doubles Bops? Send me names and addresses
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) February 21, 2025
Fish on Opelka’s comments: He’s out of his mind
And after getting his explanation, the former world No. 7 couldn’t believe it.
“Whaaaaat. He’s out of his mind. There are some great singles players playing doubles! I can’t start naming them because I wouldn’t know where to stop!” the 43-year-old said.
Whaaaaat. He’s out of his mind. There are some great singles players playing doubles! I can’t start naming them because I wouldn’t know where to stop!
— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) February 21, 2025
During his career, Fish won eight doubles titles and was ranked as high as No. 14 in the world.
Also, he was a doubles semifinalist at 2009 Wimbledon with fellow American James Blake.
A bit funnily, Opelka is also a doubles champion, having won the 2021 Atlanta title with Jannik Sinner.
However, he hasn’t played doubles since 2022 May.
Tennis World USA