Sinner Calls Up Opelka to Lighten Indian Wells Load
Amid his singles steamroller at the BNP Paribas Open, Jannik Sinner dials back the intensity by teaming with Reilly Opelka in doubles—a reunion born of his own outreach, promising relief against a pair of top seeds.
Under the palm-fringed courts of Indian Wells, where the BNP Paribas Open always attracts a star-studded doubles field with singles players often joining in on the fun, Jannik Sinner has pulled off a savvy reunion. The world No. 2 reached out to Reilly Opelka to revive their partnership from the 2021 Atlanta title, turning nearly five years of separation into a fresh doubles draw entry. This move comes as Sinner cruises through singles, seeking a counterbalance to the tour’s grind.
His initiative reflects a need for off-court ease amid on-court demands. Doubles, for him, sharpens skills without the solo spotlight’s weight.
“I like to play doubles with someone I feel very comfortable with off the court, because I need to have fun when I play doubles,” the No. 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings said in a Tennis Channel interview. “We have a lot of attention and tension while we play singles, so doubles helps us to work on a couple of things and trying also to relax. Also to not lose this match feeling is good.”
Sinner‘s singles run intensifies the need
Sinner’s singles campaign in the desert is off to a strong start, with the Italian losing just seven games in beating Dalibor Svrcina and Denis Shapovalov en route to the last 16. Each efficient victory piles on expectations, the hardcourt rallies demanding unflinching focus on heavy topspin exchanges and crosscourt defenses. Yet this control exacts a toll, making doubles a vital outlet to preserve that edge without burnout.
Opelka‘s own path here offers contrast, as he beat Ethan Quinn in the opening round before losing to another American, Ben Shelton, in three sets on Friday. His towering frame and booming serve, tested in singles’ longer points, now pivot to doubles’ quicker tempos. Together, they blend Sinner’s baseline precision with Opelka’s net presence, eyeing an upset in their Monday opener.
Top seeds test the reunion’s rhythm
Sinner and Opelka will have their hands full in their opening match Monday, with top seeds Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos across the net. Ranked No. 3 and No. 2 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, respectively, Granollers and Zeballos have reached the Australian Open semi-finals and the Dallas final this season. Their synchronized play—mixing slice returns and down-the-line volleys—has dismantled pairs all year, forcing Sinner’s team to adapt fast on the grippy acrylic surface.
Indian Wells’ medium pace favors the seeds’ patient returns, but Opelka’s flat serves could skid low for aces, setting up Sinner for inside-in poaches. Sinner plans to use his backhand underspin to disrupt their 1–2 patterns, drawing errors in crosscourt rallies. The crowd’s evening buzz in Stadium 1 will heighten every point, turning the match into a pulse of underdog energy.
Humor hides the competitive spark
While relaxed in intent, their edge stays keen, with Sinner knowing Opelka’s serve must hold to pressure the Spaniards. “If he will drop serve in doubles, it’s my fault,” Sinner joked. “Bad hands at the net!”
This light jab reveals their bond, easing singles’ isolation through shared laughs and instinctive plays. As wind whispers across the courts, their history suggests potential: Opelka anchoring with 90 percent service holds from Atlanta, Sinner converting net points with reflex winners. Facing such seasoned foes, this reunion could recharge Sinner’s fire, blending fun with tactical bite for the weeks ahead.