Tennys Sandgren and Reilly Opelka are not impressed at all regarding the statement of the ATP regarding the overall controversy surrounding Shuai Peng and the WTA.
The Chinese player was censured and disappeared after she posted a statement on Weibo accusing the former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual abuse. There are deep concerns about her whereabouts, especially after China posted some pictures and videos (staged?) about the tennis players being happy and having a “good time” with friends.
In response, the WTA decided to cancel all the events in China. Many asked about the position of the ATP, and its Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi posted the following statement:
“Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman: “The situation involving Peng Shuai continues to raise serious concerns within and beyond our sport. The response to those concerns has so far fallen short. We again urge for a line of open direct communication between the player and the WTA in order to establish a clearer picture of her situation.
We know that sport can have a positive influence on society and generally believe that having a global presence gives us the best chance of creating opportunity and making an impact.
We will continue to consult with our members and monitor any developments as this issue evolves.”
The reaction
The position of the ATP is quite tricky, and some players have vented their disappointment taking aim at the leadership. Tennys Sandgren heavily criticized Andrea Gaudenzi, asking for his head with the hashtag #firegaudenzi.
Then in another tweet he added he is frustrated that tennis players are frustrated that can’t voice heir concerns adding the following statement:
“It’s important to understand that we as the players are completely handcuffed in our ability to act as a collective, and our leadership from the @atptour is complete dumpster.”
Reilly Opelka was also unimpressed to say to make fun to the ATP with the following tweets.
Tennys Sandgren in 2021
Currently ranked no.96, Sandgren played his last match on the 8th of November when he capitulated to world no.280 Peter Polansky 3-6 7-6(3) 7-6(4) in the 1st round of the Knoxville Challenger (draw).
This season Sandgren has managed to achieve a composed 11-24 record.
Reilly Opelka in 2021
Ranked world no.26, the American played his last match on the 26th of November when he was overcome by world no.27 Lorenzo Sonego 6-3 7-6(4) in the Rubber 1 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Presently, during this year Reilly achieved an overall 21-23 match record. Reilly Opelka’s best result of the current year was getting to the final in Toronto.
Tennys Sandgren and Reilly Opelka clashed against each other 3 times. Their actual record is 2-1 for Sandgren. The last time they played, Reilly Opelka won 6-4 6-0 in the 1st round in Delray Beach (Delray Beach Open) in February 2019.
Tennys Sandgren and Reilly Opelka |
| Embed from Getty Images |