Zoe Ball shocked by message from Stefanos Tsitsipas
Few stars have made extra headlines at Flushing Meadows this previous fortnight than Stefanos Tsitsipas. Regardless of Emma Raducanu’s sensational run to the semi-finals, and Novak Djokovic’s quest for a document breaking twenty first Grand Slam, it is the controversial rest room breaks taken by the Greek star that might but be the match’s defining reminiscence. Followers and fellow gamers have been angered by Tsitsipas, 23, taking prolonged journeys to the bathroom throughout his matches – which many have perceived as an try to achieve a bonus.
The third seed was closely criticised by Britain’s Andy Murray after taking a break after dropping a set of as much as eight minutes throughout the pair’s first spherical, which led to an epic five-set win for Tsitsipas.
Seemingly unfazed, he adopted swimsuit in his subsequent two matches, a straight units win over Adrian Mannarino earlier than exiting the match by the hands of Carlos Alcaraz.
On each the latter events, he was roundly booed by the group who had been totally behind Spaniard Alcaraz as he prevailed 6-3 4-6 7-6 0-6 7-6. It is led to the 2021 French Open finalist having to defiantly defend himself in opposition to accusations of gamesmanship, while additionally stating he isn’t damaged any guidelines.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas’ bathroom break antics have dominated US Open headlines (Picture: GETTY)
“When persons are probably not within the sport and don’t know what is occurring, I imply, all these accusations have been fully false,” stated Tsitipas, after his defeat to Alcaraz.
“I do know all of these items have been in opposition to me for no cause. I took my bathroom break as a traditional athlete. May need taken a bit longer than different athletes.
“But when there’s a rule that claims there’s a particular period of time that you’re allowed to take, then I might most likely attempt to observe that protocol, that rule, and keep throughout the tips and attempt to observe it as a lot as attainable.”
His feedback nonetheless, have executed little to stem the backlash.
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Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, has been considered one of a number of high-profile names to weigh in, arguing the Greek participant’s conduct fell wanting requirements set by the likes of his nephew and Roger Federer.
“I believe that no follower of our sport can think about Roger Federer or Rafael, I don’t see why not say it, searching for extra-sporting shortcuts to realize victory,” he stated.
“The best way he (Tsitsipas) acted was not honest. Rafa or Federer would by no means try this. Stricter guidelines needs to be applied for the toilet breaks.”
Nadal’s uncle then insisted Tsitsipas doesn’t must pursue such antics as a way to obtain success.
“Tsitsipas is undoubtedly a superb participant and as such we anticipate him to win with out the necessity for any ruse that he can revenue from,” the Spaniard continued.
“Clearly you don’t want them. An incredible champion, and he’s on the best way to realize it, not solely due to his victories however due to how he achieves them.”
Tsitspas’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou not solely rebuffed Nadal’s phrases, however argued his participant had merely learnt from world primary Djokovic.
“When he misplaced his Roland Garros remaining he was two units to like up. Djokovic took a bathroom break, got here again after which it was a unique match. He realized from that,” argued Mouratoglou.
“He didn’t study that Djokovic broke his rhythm. He discovered that Djokovic took time for himself within the locker room and was in a position to reset and are available again completely different. He realized that, tried it and it labored out for him.
“That’s why he continues to do it.”
The 51-year-old then added: “When a participant takes a bathroom break, he takes a bathroom break more often than not not as a result of he wants the bathroom however as a result of it’s a second for him to reset and to refocus. More often than not he’s misplaced the set. He must settle down, be alone and be inside himself to seek out himself an answer and that’s the solely factor that Stefanos does.”
Alexander Zverev has been one other so as to add his voice to the controversy, siding with Murray after his first spherical exit and saying Tsitsipas had used prolonged rest room breaks as a tactic in earlier matches, together with as soon as in opposition to him in Cincinnati.
When requested for his opinion on the matter, Zverev stated: “It’s not regular, it’s taking place each match.It occurred to me within the French Open, to Novak on the finals on the French Open. You realize, I believe in Hamburg in opposition to Krajinovic he was complaining, in opposition to me in Cincinnati was ridiculous, and now right here once more. I believe gamers are catching up on that.”
He then added: “I’m not going to speak dangerous about anyone anymore, as a result of I’ve been talked dangerous about for a really very long time and it’s not an awesome feeling. I don’t wish to try this,” he stated.
“I believe there must be some changes in some guidelines by the ATP. But it surely does get irritating for you in case you simply received a set after which anyone walks off for 10-plus minutes or no matter.
“I don’t wish to be unfavourable anymore, and I’ve stated all the things I stated. I stated it in my first-round press convention. I don’t know what else so as to add.”
However Tsitsipas later hit again at Zverev, and slammed his accusations of receiving teaching in Cincinnati as “ridiculous”, saying the feedback had been an even bigger reflection of Zverev than of himself.
“Look, I am not pretending that everybody loves me. I do not wish to be – my intentions are to not be cherished by anybody,” he stated.
The controversy surrounding Stefanos Tsitsipas stems from his first-round conflict vs Andy Murray (Picture: Getty)
Whereas speak has been dominated by Tsitsipas’ prolonged bathroom breaks, followers watching the US Open have additionally witnessed some thriling tennis.
None extra so than the shows of Raducanu, the British teen sensation who needed to qualify for Flushing Meadows prior to now reaching the ultimate 4 of the ladies’s draw.
The 18-year-old, who will change into Britain’s No 1 ranked participant on Monday, will tackle Maria Sakkari within the semi-final on Friday.
