The American also suggested that doubles ‘does not sell a single ticket’ and received a lot of backlash for this, but Andy Roddick has actually defended Opelka.

Despite Opelka’s criticism of doubles, he does actually have an ATP doubles title that came alongside Jannik Sinner at the 2021 Atlanta Open.

Luke Saville responds to Reilly Opelka and thinks of doubles rule change

Luke Saville, who is a former Australian Open doubles finalist, retired at the most recent edition of the Melbourne major.

When speaking on Tennis Australia’s podcast, Saville labelled Opelka’s comments as ‘very strong’.

However, the two-time Grand Slam singles junior champion did admit that doubles may need some innovation and suggested a change that he has taken inspiration from pickleball for.

“They [Opelka] are very strong comments,” said Saville. “It was interesting listening to Fitzy’s [John Fitzgerald] comments a couple of weeks ago on the AO podcast. He mentioned something like pickleball with The Kitchen. I think not being able to get so close to the net. I haven’t played much pickleball myself. But that has been a very productive rule in that format.

“I just feel like tennis doubles has lost a bit of its entertainment and skill level a little bit as well. I have been guilty of that as well. Because I think if you are not crowding the net and using those skills you are going to be left behind.

“I just think something like that, particularly in men’s doubles as well where it is dominated by the serve, to get the net players back a bit and just incorporating a little more skill with the first volleys and a bit more of the doubles prowess which was probably more evident a few years ago.”

Luke Saville gives his verdict on US Open mixed doubles change

The US Open have changed mixed doubles for 2025, that includes giving priority to singles players and moving it to the same week as singles qualifying.

As a result of this decision, the US Open have received a lot of backlash particularly from doubles specialists who are likely to miss out based on this decision.

Saville, who only played US Open mixed doubles once in his career, admitted that he is also not a fan of this move.

“The US Open have made big waves basically getting rid of mixed doubles and making it like an exhibition, unfortunately,” said Saville. “And I just hope that is not one of many things to come in the doubles format.

“I feel there is great entertainment value, but I feel like there is a little tweak which could be made in the game of doubles, and longer rallies – especially in the men’s game which is a lot of serve, return, volley, put away.”

Despite Saville’s plea, the US Open have not ruled out more changes being made to doubles in 2025.