Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador and Mate Pavic of Croatia (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Singles players who criticize doubles tennis are players “without impact,” and their disdain only “seeks media attention and popularity,” says Marcelo Arévalo, currently ranked the world’s best doubles player.
“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.
“The Great Ones Respect Doubles”
Asked about his feelings when singles players like Opelka publicly criticize doubles, Arévalo was clear: “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.”
“Winning Puts You in the Spotlight”
Arévalo acknowledges his current status at the summit of the doubles rankings but remains humble: “I’m the same person. I try to stay that way.” Yet he does note the increased pressure from rivals determined to dethrone him and Pavić. “Mate Pavić and I feel it. Every time we step on court, the other team has that hunger, that special desire to beat us.”
His ascent to No. 1 has also reshaped his interactions off the court. “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. People value you more too,” he explained.
Comparing the satisfaction of achieving the top ranking with winning major tournaments, Arévalo emphasized the consistency required to reach No. 1.
“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.”
“I’m Proud of My Roots”
Reflecting on his journey from Central America to the global tennis stage, Arévalo shared experiences of early rejection due to geographic disadvantages. “I’ll never forget it—I was ranked top 10 in the world in juniors and had no apparel sponsor. They weren’t interested, and they were very clear about why: there was no market in our country or our region.”
Now supported by prestigious brands, he remains grounded: “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.”
Describing what doubles uniquely offers tennis fans, Arévalo said: “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.”
Sebastián Varela
Journalist. Founder of CLAY, a global tennis media platform. Since 2012, Sebastián has covered multiple international events for various sports outlets, including the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Tennis is his specialty, and his yearly calendar is built around four essential stops: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. His love of travel has also shaped his work beyond sports, inspiring travel chronicles from unique journeys — like crossing the Australian desert in a van or exploring a tourist-free Japan during the pandemic — published in travel magazines.
