Reilly Opelka, the towering American tennis star known for his blistering serves and candid remarks, has recently found himself at the center of an intriguing twist in his career. Long criticized for dismissing doubles tennis as an unnecessary sideshow, Opelka’s recent decision to step onto the doubles court has created quite the stir — both among fans and fellow players alike.

For those unfamiliar, doubles tennis has often lived in the shadow of its more glamorous singles counterpart. Historically, doubles was seen as a complement to singles play rather than its own distinct discipline, despite featuring a rich tactical complexity and a storied past. Legendary pairs like the Bryan brothers—Bob and Mike—elevated doubles to new heights in the 2000s, captivating audiences with their synchronicity and dominance. Yet, many singles players, Opelka included until recently, have viewed doubles as a secondary pursuit at best.

Opelka’s reversal is surprising, especially given his very public criticisms of doubles in previous interviews and social media posts, where he questioned the validity and relevance of doubles tennis on the professional circuit. His remarks stirred controversy, sparking debate on whether his views stemmed more from a lack of experience in the format rather than a genuine critique of the discipline. Ironically, it appears that Opelka has now embraced the very format he once derided, signing up for the upcoming US Open mixed doubles event.

Even more captivating is his choice of partner: none other than Rennae Stubbs, an Australian doubles legend making a notable return to the courts. Stubbs is widely respected in the tennis world, boasting an impressive career that includes multiple Grand Slam doubles titles and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Her wealth of experience contrasts sharply with Opelka’s relatively limited doubles background, making this an intriguing pairing to watch. Their collaboration underscores a fascinating dynamic—youth and raw power paired with strategic finesse and seasoned court savvy.

The mixed doubles event at the US Open itself has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Historically, mixed doubles has been a fan favorite for its unique blend of men and women competing side by side, adding a gender-balanced spectacle to the major tournaments. However, as the sport evolves, organizers have tried various formats and scheduling adjustments to boost visibility and attendance. This year’s reimagined event has attracted both praise and criticism, with some purists skeptical of changes they feel compromise doubles’ traditional appeal. Still, Opelka and Stubbs’ participation hints at a renewed energy and spotlight for mixed doubles, potentially drawing in fresh audiences.

Before diving fully into the doubles scene, Opelka faces a daunting first-round challenge in the singles draw: Daniil Medvedev. The Russian star has been a formidable presence on the ATP Tour, known for his tactical brilliance and relentless baseline play. Medvedev has earned a reputation as one of the toughest competitors on the circuit, with a US Open title and several Masters 1000 victories cementing his status. Overcoming Medvedev would be no small feat, and it puts Opelka’s burgeoning doubles ambitions into perspective—showcasing the dual demands top players face balancing singles aspirations and doubles opportunities.

Meanwhile, the appetite for doubles tennis seems stronger than ever. Recent matches at events like the Washington D.C. Grandstand have drawn impressively large crowds, signaling a growing appreciation among tennis aficionados. High-profile matches featuring players like Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils have packed stadiums, with fans eager to witness the explosive personalities and thrilling rallies that doubles matches uniquely offer. The pair’s recent match may have been brief, but its high entertainment value and full stands underscore a broader resurgence in doubles popularity.

Rennae Stubbs herself shared glimpses of this renewed doubles enthusiasm via social media, celebrating the vibrant crowds and the electric tennis atmosphere in DC. Her posts highlighted how doubles, once considered the “forgotten” format, is now reclaiming its place in the hearts of fans and players.

This evolving landscape in tennis reflects broader changes throughout the sport’s history. Doubles tennis has experienced waves of popularity since its early days in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Initially a staple of lawn tennis clubs and social gatherings, doubles grew in competitive stature alongside the rise of global tournaments. The introduction of the US Open in 1881 and Wimbledon in 1877 featured doubles events that quickly gained recognition, often showcasing legendary rivalries and partnerships. However, as television and media shifted focus towards singles stars in the late 20th century, doubles struggled to maintain its profile. Today, efforts like those seen at the US Open and the ATP’s addition of team-based events (like the now-discontinued World Team Cup) aim to revitalize its place on the modern stage.

Opelka’s journey into doubles may be a microcosm of these broader trends—a reflection of the sport’s ongoing negotiation with tradition and innovation. Whether his participation will silence critics or spark further debate remains to be seen. One thing is clear: doubles drama, like the sport itself, is never short on surprises. The old tennis proverb rings true: success on the court often demands adaptability and the willingness to embrace new challenges—fenomenal serves and all. Watching Opelka and Stubbs serve up their blend of power and experience may well become one of the most fascinating storylines of the upcoming US Open.