Alexander Zverev reopens Stefanos Tsitsipas spat following US Open controversy

ATP Tour

Tennis365
September 1, 2021

Alexander Zverev has taken aim at Stefanos Tsitsipas again as his lengthy comfort breaks caused a US Open storm.

Tsitsipas beat Andy Murray in five sets in the opening round on Monday, but the former world number one openly accused him of ‘cheating’ by leaving courts for lengthy toilet breaks during the match.

He insists he did nothing against the rules, and he is right, but Zverev has echoed Andy Murray’s suspicions.

“He’s the number three player in the world,” Zverev said.

“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.”

Zverev had his own run-in with Tsitsipas involving his lengthy comfort breaks in Cincinnati, and he stands by his allegations at the time that the Greek was getting coaching whilst off court.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Alexander Zverev Andy Murray Stefanos Tsitsipas US Open