Tennis
Reilly Opelka Says He Was Threatened By ATP To Remove His Name From PTPA Lawsuit
Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.
Get to know wendioliveros betterPublished13 Apr 2025
Front Office Sports is reporting that Reilly Opelka testified in an emergency hearing on Friday that he was threatened by the ATP to remove his name from the PTPA lawsuit filed on March 18, 2025, against the ATP, WTA, and ITF.
The professional tennis system is unfair, nontransparent, and rigged against the players.
The PTPA and players’ legal challenges will hold the tennis establishment accountable to ensure real, long-lasting improvements are made.
Details: https://t.co/DUXNqPOgLr pic.twitter.com/FzTVbMZneA
— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) March 18, 2025
Opelka said he was approached by a member of the Players Advisory Council, whom he will not name, while on an exercise bike at the Miami Open.
The player delivered a message directly from the ATP chairman, Andrea Gaudenzi. He was told to take his name off the lawsuit or risk losing his pension and being bogged down with legal fees. Opelka said he had two subsequent conversations with this player.
The 2025-2026 Players Advisory Council consists of Pedro Martinez, Andrey Rublev, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Andrea Vavassori, Jaume Munar, Alexander Zverev, Mackenzie McDonald, Dusan Lajovic, Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela, and Matthew Ebden.
The ATP denies Opelka’s accusation.
Reilly Opelka Has No Reason To Lie
Opelka has shared controversial views in the past, most recently about the viability of doubles tennis. However, he has no reason to lie about this. He appeared to be in a Catch-22 situation where he was on the losing end no matter what he chose.
It also raises questions about other players who said they did not know about the PTPA lawsuit when asked about it in recent weeks. Maybe some did not, but it makes fans wonder if others are quiet because they are being treated like Opelka.
What Happens Now?
If proven true and confirmed by other players who experienced the same treatment, Opelka’s revelation should put the ATP chairman Gaudenzi’s job in jeopardy. It also validates the PTPA arguments that tennis is broken, and a hostile work environment is prevalent.
At a minimum, this is harassing and bullying behavior that should not be tolerated. The ATP Tour is nothing without its players, and they have a right to pursue their concerns in court and elsewhere. Nothing should affect their pension and earnings potential.
