Home

Tennis

“Everything But a Cheater”: Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Shuts Down Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Critics

Published 09/02/2021, 10:43 AM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

One of the biggest fiasco at the US Open 2021 is the never-ending debate revolving around Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek player has received a lot of flak for his constant bathroom breaks. There have been mixed reactions to the same. Previously, Novak Djokovic has been questioned for his decision to take numerous breaks in between matches. When it comes to Tsitsipas, his coach Patrick Mouratoglou has defended him.

via Getty

It all started in Tsitsipas’ first round encounter against Andy Murray. Having been down for most parts of the match, the Greek star opted to take a break mid-match. His apparent reason was that he sweats profusely, hence having to change clothes. However, the British former World No.1 bought none of it, claiming that he lost his respect for Stefanos after the match. Although the youngster won the encounter, he came under a lot of scrutiny.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Coach Mouratoglou defends Stefanos Tsitsipas

USA Today via Reuters

The incidents were met with mixed reactions in the circuit. While some people said Tsitsipas was well within his rights to take the bathroom breaks, other laid out that it was unethical and a tactical plan. In his second round match against Adrian Mannarino, Tsitsipas repeated the actions, and was booed for the same. But after the match, Patrick Mouratoglou has defended the 23-year-old.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In a recent interview, Mouratoglou said that the claims of Greece’s No.1 player ‘cheating’ were absolutely rubbish. He said “Tsitsipas is everything but a cheater. I can’t hear stuff like that. There was people saying stupid things about him texting his father. His phone was at the hotel.” Thus, the French coach shut down all the people critiquing the Greek sensation.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

What do you make of Tsitsipas’ actions, and Mouratoglou’s claims? Either way, Stefanos Tsitsipas has been playing extremely well at the US Open this year. Up next for him, is a mouth-watering clash against the young Carlos Alcaraz. He will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form and go deep in the draw.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

655Articles

One take at a time

Sankalp Harikrishnan is a tennis and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football, and table tennis. Apart from his professional desires, Sankalp does voluntary service with his friends to feed hungry animals on a regular basis.
Show More>