Opelka Demands Umpire Suspension After Controversial Code Violation at Dallas Open

Reilly Opelka has urged the ATP to suspend chair umpire Greg Allensworth after receiving a code violation during his Dallas Open match against Cameron Norrie. The incident occurred when Opelka confronted a spectator he accused of deliberately coughing to disrupt his serve.

The Incident

At a crucial moment in the match, with the score at 30-30, Opelka halted his serve and addressed a fan, questioning whether the coughing was intentional. His outburst included explicit language, prompting Allensworth to issue a code violation followed by a point penalty for audible obscenities.

Opelka's Reaction

Post-match, Opelka didn't hold back his criticism, labeling Allensworth as 'the worst umpire in the ATP'. He recounted discussions among players in the locker room, emphasizing Allensworth's poor judgment and its potential impact on match outcomes.

Historical Context

This isn't the first time Allensworth has been at the center of controversy. He previously drew ire from Andy Murray during the Geneva Open and oversaw a contentious match between Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Cincinnati Open.

Opelka's Plea

Opelka expressed frustration over the umpire's inaction against the disruptive spectator and the subsequent penalties. He called for the ATP to sideline Allensworth for several tournaments, citing a lack of professionalism and fairness.

Match Recap

Despite the turmoil, Opelka secured a hard-fought victory over Norrie, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, in a match that lasted over two and a half hours. Both players demonstrated strong serves, each winning 71% of their service points.

Conclusion

Opelka's victory was a testament to his resilience, but the spotlight remains on the officiating standards within the ATP. The call for accountability highlights the need for consistent and fair umpiring in professional tennis.