Reilly Opelka pulls Taylor Fritz's leg about outfit choice at United Cup photoshoot

American tennis star Reilly Opelka took a playful dig at his compatriot, ATP World No 4 Taylor Fritz, over a recent photoshoot in Australia. Fritz has flown to Perth to participate in the mixed-team United Cup event alongside Coco Gauff.

Team USA, comprising Fritz and Gauff, took part in a photoshoot and interacted with media on the beach ahead of the much-anticipated event.

However, things took a hilarious turn when fellow American Reilly Opelka noticed that his compatriot Fritz had inappropriately donned shoes for the beach photoshoot.

"Who wears shoes on a beach," the American queried reacting to the pictures posted on The Tennis Channel's Instagram page.

The former No. 17 has returned to tennis action this year after two years away from the tour following hip and wrist surgeries. He is ranked just inside the Top 300 at present.

Fritz, reacting to Opelka's jibe, explained that he did not feel like "getting sandy to take a photo."

Reilly Opelka's comment on Taylor Fritz's photoshoot - Source: via @tennischannel on Instagram

Soon, netizens joined in on the fun. While some made fun of Fritz's beach attire, others defended the American tennis star. Gauff also joined the hilarious conversation, pointing out that Taylor Fritz had worn long pants for one of the pictures.

"He had on pants before too lolll," she wrote underneath Opelka's comment.

Coco Gauff's reply to Tayor Fritz's comment - Source: via @tennischannel on Instagram

Team USA, former champions at the 18-nation multi-city event, are being pitted against Canada and Croatia at this year's United Cup. The Americans will open their campaign against Canada on Sunday, the third day of the event. While Taylor Fritz will battle Felix Auger-Aliasimme, Coco Gauff will lock horns with former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez.

Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz determined to do well at tune-up ahead of Australian Open

Taylor Fritz is set to get his 2025 season underway at the 18-nation United Cup - Source: Getty

Coco Gauff, who ended her 2024 season on a high after winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, has expressed that the American team is ready for the challenge. She said (via France 24):

"We're all pumped up to play Canada or whoever. I think we all want to win. It's not an easy start to the first match of the year, playing Leylah (Fernandez) and Felix (Auger-Aliassime). But we're up, ready for it. We all want a couple of good matches to start off the year."

Taylor Fritz enjoyed similar success on the men's side, becoming the first American male since 2003 to reach the US Open final. That year, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick his first and only major, with a defeat of Juan Carlos Ferrero in the decider. This year, the American has set a target of making deep runs at the Grand Slams.

"Obviously, the main focus is going to be the Australian Open," he said. "Hopefully a deep run at the Slams (this year)." [via France 24]

The American also made the final of the ATP World Tour finals, losing to No. 1 Jannik Sinner 6-4, 6-4.

Fritz and Gauff had last paired up for the mixed-doubles event of the Olympic Games in Paris, losing in the quarterfinals against Canada’s Gabby Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (2), 3-6, 10-8.