Reilly Opelka set a mind-blowing record en route to his third career title in Dallas — then suffered a head-scratching sanction from the ATP.
Opelka edged John Isner 7-6 (7), 7-6 (22) in the Dallas semifinals to win the longest tiebreak on the ATP Tour since records have been officially kept in 1990.
News: My Son Was Rooting For Rafa In AO Final
The towering Opelka backed up that monumental effort defeating Jenson Brooksby in a thrilling Dallas final, but his celebration was marred a bit by buzz-kill ATP action afterwards.
Opelka took to twitter to share the fact he was hit with a code violation for wearing his cap during the Dallas trophy ceremony.
Too good 👏 @atptour pic.twitter.com/YZGFrUCkCp
– Reilly Opelka (@ReillyOpelka) February 16, 2022
“Mr. Opelka chose to keep his hat on during the prize presentation ceremony, “the ATP wrote in its code violation assessment of the American titled” headgear worn during awards ceremony. “Opelka shared the official ATP sanction and highlighted the strange rule on Twitter along with a “too good” comment and sarcastic applause emoji.
Opelka wears his Fila cap during play to keep his thick thatch of hair from falling onto his face.
He’s too busy not taking salary cuts while players are still. https://t.co/XFV0mWqCXO
– Reilly Opelka (@ReillyOpelka) February 16, 2022
While Opelka did not share if the ATP fined him for the cap violation, he showed a sense of sarcasm toward ATP leadership.
When Twitter user Pavvy G asked how long will it be before ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi’s staff asks Opelka to remove the Twitter post, the big-serving Floridian fired at the ATP chief writing “He’s still busy not taking salary cuts while players are.”
It’s the second time in six months, Opelka’s accessories have caused controversy.
“US Open ticket sales must be struggling this year,” Opelka tweeted. “10k for a pink bag, at least it looked fly.”
US Open ticket sales must be struggling this year 🙄 10k for a pink bag, at least it looked fly 💸👛 #Corporate https://t.co/Fj1aoFSCtL pic.twitter.com/yDXOxhOLX3
– Reilly Opelka (@ReillyOpelka) September 3, 2021
Photo credit: Getty
