Stefanos Tsitsipas booed at US Open as toilet drama heats up

The controversy surrounding Stefanos Tsitsipas is heating up after the Greek star was jeered for bending the rules at the US Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas’s toilet breaks have created huge controversy at the US Open. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Greek superstar Stefanos Tsitsipas was booed by the US Open crowd after he took yet another lengthy toilet break during his second round match on Thursday (AEST).

The world No. 3 defeated Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-3 6-4 6-7 (4) 6-0 to progress to the third round, but the victory stirred up its fair share of controversy.

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After losing the third-set tie-break, Tsitsipas took an eight-minute long bathroom break, a strategy he has legally used in what many view as an attempt to disrupt his opponent’s momentum.

Tsitsipas was booed by the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium when he returned to the court and when he was serving.

Such was the length of his break, Mannarino got some tennis balls and practised his serve to stay warmed up while Tsitsipas was off the court.

The extended bathroom break proved successful, with Tsitsipas reeling off six consecutive games to close out the fourth set 6-0 in just half an hour and win the match in dominant fashion.

The New York wasn’t happy with Tsitsipas taking a long toilet break. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

The 23-year-old’s tactics have been slammed by fellow stars Alexander Zverev and Andy Murray, who have both had to sit through Tsitsipas’ lengthy breaks in recent matches.

Zverev labelled his rival’s habit “ridiculous”, while Murray, who lost his first round match to Tsitsipas, said he has “lost respect” for him.

Mannarino wasn’t impressed either by his opponent’s behaviour, but admitted many players use the rule to their advantage.

“It’s unsportsmanlike to leave the court like that during a match, even if it’s not necessarily the case tonight,” he said.

“We’ve been talking about it for a long time. A toilet break is to go to the bathroom … if it’s to break the rhythm it’s unsportsmanlike conduct.

“There are so many players who use this tool. It helps to bring down the temperature. When you’ve just lost a set you’re a bit nervous, the other player gets confidence.”

Another break of 7+ minutes by Tsitsipas. Crowd booing.#USOpen

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 2, 2021

Tsitsipas is petty for these 8-minute delays. But, it’s the rule. Definitely a strategy of his now.#USOpen

— Detroit Griot (@JustCallmeBHunt) September 2, 2021

Is a 20 minute toilet break around the corner for Tsitsipas? ☎️

— Stretch Armstrong (@StretchArmy) September 2, 2021

Incredible. Tsitsipas has done it again. Seven minute bathroom break after losing the third set. #USOpen

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) September 2, 2021

But Tsitsipas defended his strategy of taking bathroom breaks, saying it is well within the ATP rules, which currently have no time limit on toilet breaks.

“I think taking a break and going to change. I was completely wet — I was refreshed,” he explained after the match.

“I went to go get changed. It definitely helped.

“That break on the third set helped me refresh myself, as I like to do.

“It’s good for me to be less sweaty and feel fresh, start a new set with a fresh mindset, recalibrate myself.”

“I didn’t break any rules,” Tsitsipas said, adding: “I’m playing by the rules and sticking to what the ATP says is fair.

“There is rule for that which really doesn’t specify the time you have to spend in the bathroom. It’s important to take it if you have to.”

Tsitsipas’ toilet breaks have been the talk of the US Open. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Tsitsipas also made no secret of the fact he is taking toilet breaks to reset himself mentally during matches.

“For me it’s important to take that break. For someone else probably not,” he said.
“And everyone has his own time. I try and be as quick as I can. Sometimes I just need a bit more time. That’s all.

“If I’m staying within the guidelines, then what’s the issue?

“Some players take much more than 25 seconds between points, which is fair.

“I’ve done everything the right way. If I haven’t, I should be penalised. But as far as I know, it’s a need when I’m out there playing, performing.”

Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge believes Tsitsipas’ extended toilet breaks will force tennis’ governing body to crack down on players bending the rules.

The Greek star says he hasn’t broken any rules. (Photo by Ed JONES / AFP)

“I don’t think there’s any way to justify what he’s done. He’s played within the rules, but the rules need to be changed,” Woodbridge told Wide World of Sports.

“It will be the catalyst for change, but this should have been dealt with by the WTA years ago, and ultimately the ITF, who oversee the rules of the game.

“If you need to go and change your kit, which is basically what Tsitsipas is doing, you should be able to do that in three minutes, it doesn’t take eight minutes to change your shirt and shorts and socks.”

Tsitsipas has now matched his best result at the US Open by making the third round and will next face rising star Carlos Alvarez.

with AFP