“This collaboration is based on sincere friendship, not an official sponsorship partnershipwe explain from the Antwerp gallery. Tim Van Laere and Reilly Opelka together founded the TVLG Art&Tennis Club, an initiative born from their shared passion for art and tennis. Since their meeting, they have developed a true friendship and interact every week. They try to meet up as often as possible, whether at tournaments or visiting museums or galleries. Reilly Opelka regularly visits the gallery and goes to international fairs in which the gallery participates. In a very short time, he became passionate about art and amassed an impressive collection.”
The American player was able to develop this passion for art and use it during his long months away from the courts.
“Getting to know Tim over the past few years has been an honor. His gallery and artists have been a great inspirationexplained the former top 20 player a few weeks ago. It’s what kept me sane and energized while I was away. I met characters. And I really like the characters. Artists are very special people to be around. It’s not a job you choose, it chooses you. I think you have to be a special person to be an artist. I met different minds, intelligent and kind people.”
ATP Brisbane: Reilly Opelka abandons…
gullThat’s where my passion for art really began.”
When he travels to the four corners of the planet, Reilly Opelka takes the opportunity to attend exhibitions, fashion shows or visit galleries. And his friendship with our compatriot gives him certain privileges.
A fine of 10,000 dollars
“I can pick up the phone and call Tim any daycontinued the American. I will interview Rinus Vandevelde (Editor’s note: Belgian artist specializing in black and white drawing). One of his artists, Kati Heck, painted me. I had first choice on a painting in the exhibition by Jonathan Meese, a German that I adore. Tim called me first and let me choose, which was super nice of him for an artist that I love and people love too. I’m very lucky to have this connection with him.”
For his part, Tim Van Laere has always seen commonalities between artists and tennis players: “A player on the court has to figure everything out for himself and find solutions, even if his coaches are sitting behind him. It’s the same thing with artists. They may have a studio with twenty assistants, but ultimately it is the artist who must understand and manage the empty canvas. My respect for tennis players is equal to that of artists. Reilly is an eloquent, intelligent, funny man who displays a deep passion and curiosity about art and fashion.”
For the anecdote, we will remember that during the 2021 US Open, Opelka was fined $10,000 for being on the court with a pink bag with the logo of the Tim Van Laere Gallery. The latter had been considered too large. At a press conference, the American explained that: “This gallery is home to many of my favorite artists and is where my passion for art really began.“
