Reilly Opelka was hit by stunningly big fine over Indian Wells lights complaints

Reilly Opelka won’t make the same mistake twice as the American tennis star called Holger Rune’s light complaints in Miami “valid” but refused to add anything more because he didn’t want to be slapped with a $80k fine again.

With the two players tied to one point apiece in the third-set tie-break of their Miami second-round match, the Dane lost the point and then went to the chair umpire, claiming that the lights turned on and off during the point. Despite getting it video-reviewed, the world No. 12 didn’t get the point replayed so he asked for a supervisor – who eventually stood behind the umpire’s call. 

When action resumed, home favorite Opelka went on to win the tie-break and complete a 4-6 6-3 7-6 (5) win. Rune shook his rival’s hand at the net but turned his head as he was passing by the chair umpire. 

A bit interestingly, the American tennis player had similar complaints in Indian Wells two weeks ago and he was apparently fined big time.

Opelka on Rune complaining about the lights late in their Miami battle 

“I don’t know. It was valid. If the lights bug him, they bug him. I don’t think he’s making anything up. He played within the rules to do the video review. There was no foul play on his side,” the former world No. 17 said.

“If that were me I probably would’ve been fined another 80 G’s like I did last week at Indian Wells. They couldn’t figure out how to turn on the lights. I asked for them. And then boom, I got slapped with a nice fine. So I’m playing for free this week.”

Reilly Opelka reveals he was fined $80,000 at Indian Wells.

He also shared his thoughts on Holger Rune saying to the umpire that the lights turning on in the middle of the point hindered him during their match in Miami.

“I don’t know. It was valid. If the lights bug him, they… pic.twitter.com/9DpPhWQCKP

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 22, 2025

Meanwhile, Opelka – who had hip and wrist surgeries in recent years – is playing in Miami for the first time since 2022. So far, it has been a nice comeback and he plays against Tomas Machac in the third round.