"A lot of information is super manipulated" - Opelka on ATP prize money and transparency

| by Alex Waite

Reilly Opelka has spoken out against the ATP's awarding of prize money and accused the organisation of being too reserved on certain issues.

The former world number 17 believes that the ATP is not providing the correct figures when releasing prize money for tournaments. In 2020, the player compensation rise was reportedly around 13% higher than the previous season.

However, Opelka believes these figures are not completely true. When speaking to The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast, the American player outlined his scepticism about the ATP's prize money numbers.

"A lot of times they like to... you'll see on the information sheet that a lot of those increases are from 2020 to 2021. So, a lot of information is super manipulated."

Opelka said to The Craig Shapiro Tennis Podcast

As an example, Opelka pointed to the prize money at the 2023 Miami Open. The 26-year-old explained that the final figure awarded is not always as accurate as it seems.

Fritz expresses sadness over Opelka's injury as he was forced to pull out of another event
Fritz expresses sadness over Opelka's injury as he was forced to pull out of another event

"Let's say, I mean the Miami Open prize money is increased by however percentage this year than 2021. It's up by a huge number but it's manipulated information a lot of the time, there's increased prize money but there's just no new money, it's just repurposed."

In addition, Opelka criticised the ATP for not being open enough - an approach that he feels could benefit the business side of professional tennis.

"I would fight for transparency. I would want transparency all around in this sport. That's how sports move forward, businesses move forward."

These are not the first controversial opinions held by Opelka. Earlier in 2023, the American proposed the decisive decision to get rid of doubles tennis in the future, which was not well received by his fellow players.

Opelka has been sidelined from professional tennis since August 2022 due to ongoing injuries. He was due to return at the Delray Beach Open in February but pulled out due to a lack of fitness.

"Horrible from the first episode" - Opelka shares Break Point opinions
"Horrible from the first episode" - Opelka shares Break Point opinions

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