Andy Murray takes a long bathroom break, and a medical timeout after Tsitsipas' win in the first round. (2:12).
NEW YORK -- Andy Murray claimed that his opponent unfairly had an advantage after he lost in the first round to Stefanos Tisipas at Monday's US Open. He took a long bathroom break and a medical timeout.
Murray stated, "It's disappointing because it influenced how the match ended." Murray said, "I don't think I won that match but it had an influence on what happened after those breaks."
Tsitsipas won the marathon match in a tight contest, 2-6, 7-6 (7). Tsitsipas also won 3-6,6-3,6-4. This was done in just 48 minutes. The No. After losing the third set, the No. 3 seed and 2021 French Open finalist was treated for his left foot and then went to the toilet after winning the fourth.
Murray complained to the court about the length of time Tsitsipas took in the bathroom, and then again after play resumed. When speaking to media after the match, he was still frustrated.
Murray stated that it was impossible to stop how that physically affects you. When you play a hard match like that, it is important to cool down. It doesn't matter how mentally prepared you are for it. However, it is a fact that you can feel the effects on your body if you take too long breaks during matches.
"I believe he took the medical break just after I won the third set. He also chose to leave in the fourth set, when I had Love-30. I don't know whether he changed his rackets or what he was doing. It's not a coincidence that these moments occur.
"I don’t think [his foot] was causing any problems at all. The match continued for two and a half hours or so. He was fine and moving well, I thought."
Tsitsipas stated that he did not break any rules, and that he was just changing his clothes in the toilet.
He said, "I don’t believe I broke any rules." "I followed the rules, and how everything works. Yes, it's something we can have a chat about and make sure. It's hard to imagine how my opponent feels while I'm playing. It's not my main priority.
"As long as I play by the rules and stick to what the ATP says are fair, the rest of the world is fine."
Murray is the second player to accuse Tsitsipas in less than two week of unfairly gaining an edge through bathroom breaks. Following the conclusion of the first set against Alexander Zverev at Cincinnati Open, Tsitsipas took an 8-minute break. Zverev informed the chair umpire that he believed Tsitsipas was cheating by receiving inappropriate coaching via his cell phone.
Zverev stated on the court, "He took his bag with all his stuff and his phone in it." "This was the exact same thing that happened in Paris, and it will be the same every tournament that he plays."
Murray refused to speculate about Zverev’s accusations and stated that he didn't know if Tsitsipas was getting coaching during his break. Murray did however state Monday's actions had changed his mind about Tsitsipas.
Murray stated, "I think that he's an amazing player." He's a great player. He lost my respect because I don't have the time to do that.
