Alexander Zverev slams Stefanos Tsitsipas for his extended bathroom breaks during matches

Alexander Zverev slams Stefanos Tsitsipas for his extended bathroom breaks during matches

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev

World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas might have escaped an early exit in the opening round of the ongoing US Open against Andy Murray. However, the Greek is surely not being spared from a series of criticism from contemporary ATP players.

After the former World No.1 Andy Murray’s scathing remarks on Tsitsipas for violating the time rule during their match, World No.4 Alexander Zverev too has expressed his disappointment at Tsitsipas’ on-court tactics.

This year, Tsitsipas has often been found guilty of taking extended bathroom breaks, in order to break the momentum of his opponents.

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“Stefanos can play very well if he doesn’t go to the moon and back for a toilet break. It’s happening every match. It’s not normal. It happened to me at the French Open, to Novak at the finals of the French Open. In Cincinnati he was ridiculous,” Zverev explained to the press in New York.  

The German further wondered as to why Tsitsipas should resort to questionable tactics, when he is bestowed with all the talent and capability in the world.

“He’s one of the best in the world at what he does. I do not believe that he needs to do that because if you’re top three in the world, you’re one of the best in the sport. These kind of things happen at junior events, at futures, at challengers maybe, but not when you’re top three in the world.”

The 2020 US Open finalist also reflected on their recent semifinal clash at the Cincinnati Masters, where Tsitsipas was seen leaving the court for a longer duration.

Cincinnati time out in spotlight

Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas
Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas

“He’s gone for 10-plus minutes. His dad is texting on the phone. He comes out, and all of a sudden his tactic completely changed. It’s not just me but everybody saw it. The whole game plan changes. I’m like either it’s a very magical place he goes to or there is communication there. But I also don’t want to disrespect him. He is a great player. He is number three in the world for a reason. He’s winning tournaments and playing incredible tennis this year for a reason, so it’s not only that,” Zverev concluded.

Currently, both Zverev and Tsitsipas are through to the second round of the 2021 US Open and are placed on the opposite sides of the draw.

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