Opelka blasts at “pathetic ATP Cup” taking unnecessary dig vs. Radu Albot and Moldovan Team

Reilly Opelka may have the biggest serve on tour right now, but he probably needs to work a bit on diplomacy at this time. The world no.36 had a rather rough dig at the ATP Cup that he defined pathetic.

Even if the American had some valid points, he went a bit overboard when he attacked the Moldovian Team. Opelka commented:

“Well, the ATP Cup is pathetic. I think it’s shocking on behalf of the ATP for them to pass that and allow that. It’s pretty embarrassing, actually. It’s pretty bad for the sport. It makes it more top-heavy than it already is. For example, I’m 35 in the world. I’m not going to play because I’m the second- or third-highest ranked American, and only the top two guys play.

It counts as an additional 19th tournament. So every player gets 18 tournaments on their ranking card. So you have to take your top 18 results, those go for your ranking. Those that play ATP Cup get a 19th. So it’s unfair, there’s not equal opportunity for everyone.

For example, Moldova qualified. Moldova qualified. I mean, their No.1 player is ranked pretty far behind me and their No. 2 player I don’t think he’s ranked. So that’s going to make for, you know, an 0-0 match that’s going to be 30 minutes maybe. That’s not good for the sport either.”

H2H Reilly Opelka vs. Radu Albot

While Opelka might be right about the point calculation, his dig against the Moldovian team was a bit unnecessary. He also talked about the Moldovia no.1 saying that he is pretty far behind him in the rankings. However, Radu Albot is only 10 places behind Opelka and he has just 176 points less than the American.  In addition, Radu beat the Opelka the first and only time that they played against each other.

Reilly Opelka’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.36, the American played his last match on the 26^th of October when he lost to Alex De Minaur 7-6² 6-7⁴ 7-6³ in the semifinal in Basel.

This year Opelka has a 37-24 win-loss record. Reilly has won 1 title in New York.

Radu Albot’s ranking and performance in 2019

Ranked no.46, Albot played his last match on the 31^st of October when he was overcome by Gael Monfils 4-6 6-4 6-1 in the 3^rd round in Paris.

This year Radu has a 35-26 win-loss record. Albot clinched 1 title in Delray Beach.

Reilly Opelka and Radu Albot played each other 1 time. The head to head is 1-0 for Albot.

The last time that they locked horns, Radu Albot won 7-5 6-7⁴ 7-6³ in the qualifications in Tokyo on the September 2017.