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Reilly Opelka Calls for Suspension of Umpire After Dallas Open Controversy

Posted : 08 February 2025

Reilly Opelka has called for ATP chair umpire Greg Allensworth to be suspended following a controversial incident at the Dallas Open. During his last-16 match against Cameron Norrie, Opelka was interrupted by a spectator who he claimed was deliberately coughing to disrupt his serve.

 

 Frustrated, he confronted the individual, using explicit language while asking them to leave. Allensworth then issued a code violation, followed by a point penalty for two audible obscenities, sparking a heated exchange between Opelka and the official.

 

Despite the incident, Opelka managed to secure a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Norrie but was highly critical of Allensworth's officiating. He accused the umpire of mishandling the situation, arguing that Allensworth failed to address the disruptive behavior from the spectator and instead penalized him unfairly.

 

 Opelka stated that the official was unprepared for the moment, becoming "tense and frantic" during their argument and unable to provide clear reasoning for his decisions.

 

Opelka emphasized that players should not be forced to endure unfair treatment from spectators without intervention from officials. He expressed frustration that he had to take matters into his own hands, as Allensworth did not act to control the situation.

 

 According to Opelka, umpires must recognize when strict adherence to the rulebook is insufficient and use discretion to ensure fair play. The American argued that referees should not be immune to penalties when their actions significantly impact matches.

 

Following the incident, Opelka is set to receive a $5,000 fine for each violation, but he believes Allensworth should also face consequences. He suggested that the umpire be sidelined for a few tournaments to reflect on his performance, asserting that poor officiating can unfairly alter match outcomes.

 

Opelka maintained that officials must be held accountable when their decisions influence a player's results and earnings, reiterating that common sense should sometimes take precedence over rigid enforcement of the rules.

 

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