Last week’s Dallas Open saw Reilly Opelka participate in the longest-ever tiebreaker in ATP history before going on to claim his third Tour title. However, not everything went entirely in his favour.
After defeating compatriot Jenson Brooksby in straight sets during Sunday’s final, the world No.20 took to the court for the trophy presentation. Among those watching from the sidelines was former president George W. Bush, who made a joke about Opelka’s height earlier in the day. To a casual tennis fan the ceremony looked like any other but in reality the tennis star was actually breaking the rules.
What was the crime Opelka committed? He wore a hat throughout which is not allowed by the ATP. Something which seems bizarre but is clearly stated in the ATP rule book under their dress and equipment code of conduct. Under the section ‘hats or headbands’ it states that ‘No hat or headband, with or without logos, may be worn during the awards ceremony.’
Subsequently Opelka was handed an undisclosed fine for the violation which prompted a bemused reaction from the American on social media.
One response on Twitter made a joke about how long it would be before ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi requested a member of his team to ask Opelka to delete the social media post. In response to that, the tennis star made his own jibe towards the ATP boss.
“He’s too busy not taking salary cuts while players still are.” Opelka wrote.
Opelka returns to action this week at the Delray Beach Open where he is the second seed. He is set to play Jack Sock in the first round. One would assume that if he reaches the final, Opelka will not be wearing a hat during the trophy presentation.
