Singles players who criticise the doubles circuit are players “without impact”, and their disdain “seeks media attention and popularity”, believes Marcelo Arévalo, the best doubles player in the world.
Something Roger Federer would never have done, and for which Reilly Opelka hurt several of his colleagues.
“I’ve never heard Federer or Nadal speak about doubles in a disrespectful way. The great ones respect doubles. Those who speak with contempt are only looking for attention,” the Salvadoran told CLAY in an interview also published on RG Media, during the recent French Open — a tournament he has won twice with different partners (2022, 2024).
“Those who look down on doubles are players without impact,” added Arévalo, currently sharing the No. 1 doubles ranking with Croatian Mate Pavić.
“They don’t sell tickets or generate revenue. And they complain about not making enough money. Doubles is for failed singles players,” Opelka had said. At the ATP 500 in Queen’s, the North American played his first doubles match in three years… and lost to Arévalo and Pavić in the first round.
Interview with Marcelo Arévalo
– As the world No. 1 in doubles, are you living a new stage in your career, or would you say everything feels the same?
– I’m the same person. I try to stay that way. Obviously, things change from a sporting perspective. You become a bit more competitive. You become more alert to many situations. I’ve been on the other side — when I was climbing the rankings and faced the world No. 1, I gave a little extra to get a big win, to say I beat the best. Back then it was the Bryan brothers. I always wanted to play them. I wanted to beat the top guys.
– Do you feel your rivals now have that same extra hunger to beat you?
– Absolutely. Mate Pavić and I feel it. Every time we step on court, the other team has that hunger, that special desire to beat us. It pushes us to be more competitive. The doubles circuit is very competitive. You need to focus more, tighten your inner circle, and keep working hard with your team.
– And in the locker room, or walking through the tournament halls — does it feel different being No. 1? Do fellow players treat you differently?
– Even the singles players follow doubles and know who the world No. 1 are. Coaches are paying attention too. They ask how you did, how you’re feeling, whether you think you’ll win the tournament. Fellow players always say hi. Winning puts you more in the spotlight. Back when I was ranked 20 or 30 in the world, when I wasn’t winning many tournaments or losing early, top players and their coaches wouldn’t really see you — they only look at who’s winning. But yes, when you’re in this position, I think you get noticed more. People value you more too.
– You’ve won Roland Garros twice. What do you savour more — triumphing at the big tournaments or reaching the top of the rankings?
– They’re different things. To become world No. 1 you have to work for many years — it’s not something that can happen in a week or two where maybe you were on a hot streak and had the two best weeks of your life and won a Grand Slam, you know? Winning one Slam or a couple of Masters 1000s isn’t enough to become No. 1 in the world. You need a very consistent season or career to reach the top. We tennis players know that and we really value the effort and hard work it takes to get there — whether in singles, doubles, or whatever it may be.
– Allow me to compare you to Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas: Central American, one of the best in recent years, he won several titles with Real Madrid and PSG. Many felt he was underrated because of his origins. Do you feel the same way — undervalued?
– I definitely think the big opportunities are elsewhere — in the U.S., in Europe. That’s where the market is. I remember when I was playing a junior tour in Asia. I’ll never forget it — I was ranked top 10 in the world in juniors and had no apparel sponsor. I was with my dad. We both approached an agent and asked if there was any chance to get a clothing deal for the No. 8 singles player in the world, the best in Central America. They weren’t interested, and they were very clear about why: there was no market in our country or our region. That doesn’t happen in the U.S. or Canada, and rarely in Europe or Asia. The big opportunities are there. But… that’s what makes us strong, what makes us value the little things we have, and everything we’ve earned.
– Now you’re sponsored by a luxury Italian brand…
– Things have changed, and I’m very grateful to the brands that support me now. But even today, I can tell you that if the world No. 1 in doubles were North American, he’d probably have way more sponsors than I do — or way more opportunities in other areas. I’m not complaining. I’m proud of my country, my people, my roots. I’m grateful for where I come from. We know what we’ve had to go through, the lack of resources others might take for granted. I don’t know if what I’ve had is a lot or a little, but I thank God for it and for allowing me to reach where I dreamed. That’s worth a lot.
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– What do you feel when singles players make negative comments about doubles? Reilly Opelka was the last to publicly criticise it, and some doubles players responded.
– Personally, it doesn’t bother me. Because if you notice, the people who have mocked doubles are not the top players in the world. I never heard Federer or Nadal speak disrespectfully about doubles. Never heard Djokovic or Murray make negative public comments. I could name many top players who’ve always respected doubles — players who’ve had a huge impact on the sport and inspired younger generations. Those who make discriminatory comments are just looking for attention, followers, fans — they want to appear in the media and on social media. They’re people without real impact. It doesn’t bother me because I value what I have. Thanks to my work on the doubles tour, I’m able to support my family and help my parents.
– And today’s top stars respect doubles too.
– Carlos Alcaraz would never say anything negative about doubles. Sinner either. And if someone ranked 50 in singles speaks badly about doubles, we shouldn’t even pay attention — it’s not worth it. I’m someone who respects everyone’s work, as long as it’s honest work, not something illegal. No matter what you do, I’ll value it, and I hope others do the same.
– And what does doubles offer today that singles doesn’t?
– It’s a different game. Lots of tactics, fewer rallies, and players’ reflexes are tested to the limit. It’s spectacular to see someone at the net return a smash aimed straight at their body. Serve-and-volley is almost extinct in singles, and fans love to see players at the net. Doubles is a very entertaining form of tennis. We need to invite people — fans — to give it a chance, to watch a doubles match and see for themselves. We hope they support us, because doubles is a highly competitive part of tennis with a rich tradition and history.
If you enjoyed this interview with Marcelo Arévalo, don’t miss many more conversations with the stars of the tennis world at this link to our site.
