{"id":533110,"date":"2025-10-28T11:08:24","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T11:08:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/533110\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T11:08:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T11:08:24","slug":"fans-call-for-totally-unfair-rule-to-be-scrapped-after-whats-happened-to-reilly-opelka-in-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/533110\/","title":{"rendered":"Fans call for ‘totally unfair’ rule to be scrapped after what’s happened to Reilly Opelka in Paris"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The main draw of the Paris Masters is officially underway after qualifying for the event wrapped up on Sunday. <\/strong><\/p>\n

For the first time in over four years, American star Jenson Brooksby failed to qualify for a Masters <\/a>tournament, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, home hope Adrian Mannarino<\/a> also missed out on a place in the main draw in Paris after losing to Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets.<\/p>\n

\"AdrianPhoto by Yu Chun Christopher Wong\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

With the bracket for the tournament complete, the 2025 Paris Masters<\/a> boasts a star-studded lineup and promises to be a compelling finish to the Masters series.<\/p>\n

However, there is one entrant in the competition that many fans think should not be there whatsoever. <\/p>\n

Fans criticise rule after Reilly Opelka wins lucky loser draw in Paris<\/p>\n

American ATP star Reilly Opelka<\/a> won the lucky loser draw to claim a spot in the main draw of the Paris Masters. <\/p>\n

The Laver Cup champion won his first match in qualifying against Mattia Bellucci, but withdrew from his second match, in which he was scheduled to play Aleksandar Vukic. <\/p>\n

His qualification for the tournament, despite pulling out of his clash with Vukic, has caused outrage among fans, with one X user stating: \u201cThat\u2019s absolutely ridiculous and I was certain not allowed. How on earth can a player who gives a walkover or retires in a match be eligible for lucky loser still?\u201d<\/p>\n

Another fan said: \u201cQualifying is part of the tournament. If you withdraw from the tournament, you should be out. No take-backs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Shameful that Opelka can still be LL<\/p>\n

\u2014 B\u00e9cart Paul (@becart_paul) October 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

This fan argued: \u201cThe rule needs to be changed. No way could you be able to withdraw (or retire) in qualifying and then be able to take a lucky loser spot.\u201d<\/p>\n

One user described the rule as \u2018clearly flawed\u2019, while another said \u2018the system is broken\u2019.<\/p>\n

Finally, this fan said: \u201cRegardless of who Opelka plays, I will be cheering on his opponent this week, out of spite against whoever let him be a lucky loser.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reilly Opelka\u2019s first-round opponent at the Paris Masters<\/p>\n

Following a controversial qualification for the tournament, Opelka will now face Corentin Moutet in the first round of the Paris Masters, with the Frenchman in impressive form recently.<\/p>\n

Moutet reached the final of the Almaty Open<\/a> earlier this month, where he narrowly lost to Daniil Medvedev<\/a>, but he then beat the Russian en route to the quarterfinals in Vienna. <\/p>\n

At tour-level events, Moutet has played Opelka just twice before, having first faced him in Lyon during the 2019 season. <\/p>\n

The US star lost that match, but earned revenge at the Cincinnati Open in 2021, winning in three sets. <\/p>\n