NEW YORK -- Stefanos Tsitsipas expressed his frustration at being the centre of attention for his bathroom breaks at US Open. He said after Friday's third round loss to Carlos Alcaraz (18 years old), that he didn’t understand why everyone was suddenly against him.
Tsitsipas lost a five-setter to Alcaraz at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He said that he had never imagined that he would be loved by everyone, but that he was being subjected to negative attention because of it.
Tsitsipas, No. Tsitsipas, the No. 3 seed at this tournament. "Might have taken slightly longer than the other athletes. If there is a time limit, I will try to follow that rule.
Tsitsipas said that the only thing he did was change from wet clothes into dry clothes. It's evident that it's a major issue.
Tsitsipas didn't name any players but suggested that in the past some have taken "more than they're allowed" and that this has caused him to feel "cold, not feeling my game", "waiting more than 30 seconds between serves that I received" Tsitsipas stated that he didn't complain about any of this.
He added, "Then there are these players that everyone knows they take so much time but no one says anything."
Tsitsipas reiterated that the allegations about Tsitsipas using his phone to text his coach at Cincinnati Open were false and that it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard.
Tsitsipas stated that he doesn't allow himself to be influenced by fan support and was shocked by the reaction of Flushing Meadows.
He said, "But I feel like they don't get it." They are there for the show. They love tennis. They are impatient, especially with the younger generation. They want it done quickly.
A large portion of Friday's crowd was behind Alcaraz during the match. They booed Tsitsipas after he was warned about a time violation as well as a coaching violation. They also shouted "Carlos!" Carlos! During breaks.
Tsitsipas stated, "It is important to have fan support, but I need to perform." It doesn't matter at this point.
