Inside The Jannik Sinner-Reilly Opelka Doubles Pairing: Former US Pro Offers Interesting Theory

Last Updated:March 08, 2026, 11:14 IST

Steve Johnson discusses Reilly Opelka and Jannik Sinner's potential doubles pairing at Indian Wells. They won the 2021 Atlanta Open.

Former US tennis star Steve Johnson has pointed out that his compatriot Reilly Opelka has previously played alongside Italy’s Jannik Sinner, adding that they might be one pair to look forward to in the upcoming Indian Wells doubles.

Opelka and Sinner, who share a good rapport off the court, last teamed up in doubles at the 2021 Atlanta Open, where they went on to clinch the men’s doubles title.

Opelka and Sinner were also listed to compete together in doubles at the 2022 Miami Open. But the partnership didn’t materialise after Opelka suffered an injury in the lead-up to the match, forcing the pair to withdraw from the doubles draw.

“These guys (Sinner and Opelka) have played together before. They have a title on tour together. So watch out for them," Johnson said while speaking on the Nothing Major podcast.

Podcast co-host Sam Querrey wondered if it was Opelka who approached Sinner to partner up for doubles at the Indian Wells Open. In response, Johnson suggested the move could be linked to Opelka’s apparel deal with Italian luxury brand SEASE.

“Maybe it is in Reilly’s new deal with the Italian sportswear company? That would be unbelievable. These guys have been friends for a long time," Johnson said.

Opelka started his singles campaign at the Indian Wells Open with a straight-sets victory over compatriot Ethan Quinn. However, his run was cut short in the second round after a loss to fellow American and World No. 8 Ben Shelton.

Meanwhile, Sinner, returning to the California desert after missing last year’s edition while serving a drug suspension, dominated the 64-minute contest against qualifier Dalibor Svrcina, facing just one break point throughout the match.

After Svrcina held serve to level the first set at 1-1, Sinner reeled off nine successive games before the Czech managed another hold. Svrcina battled to force Sinner to serve it out, saving three match points in the final game, but Sinner sealed the victory with another break of serve.

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