‘I would’ve booed too!’ – Stefanos Tsitsipas slammed for retirement by former ATP stars

Ewan West
Stefanos Tsitsipas looks dejected at the 2023 ATP Finals
Stefanos Tsitsipas leaves the court at the 2023 ATP Finals

Former British ATP stars Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman were both critical of Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek’s retirement at the 2023 ATP Finals due to a back injury. 

Henman questioned Tsitsipas’ decision to play given his injury, while Rusedski did not blame the crowd for booing the Greek for retiring and admitted he would have done the same.

Tsitsipas pulled the plug after just three games in his second round-robin match against Holger Rune in Turin on Tuesday afternoon, with the Dane leading 2-1.

The world No 6 did not appear to be serving at 100% in the second game, and his movement was noticeably laboured as he returned in the third.

The 25-year-old called the ATP physio during the changeover, and after a conversation, decided he could not continue and retired, leading to boos from the Italian crowd. An exhibition set between alternates Hubert Hurkacz and Taylor Fritz was then played to offer spectators some more action.

There had been reports of Tsitsipas cutting practice sessions short at the event due to an injury, but he took to the court for his opening match against Jannik Sinner on Sunday, which he lost 4-6, 4-6.

Speaking on Amazon Prime Video after the surprise retirement, former world No 4 Henman gave his reaction to Tsitsipas choosing to play.

“I was hearing more about his elbow and shoulder prior to the tournament and I think what I find frustrating – and perhaps what the spectators are frustrated about is – 30 minutes before the match you’ve gotta go out on the practice court and you’ve play full out,” said the Brit.

“And if you can’t do that, its not gonna change just because you’re on this court and then you walk onto the centre court. And I think that’s where he’s put himself in an impossible situation because I don’t in any way deny that he’s in a lot of pain. But there’s no good going onto the court sort of hoping and praying that it’s suddenly gonna stop hurting.

“Once you get out there and he’s in the warmup and he said his back hurts, it’s a little bit too late by that stage. So then, the consequences for the event, for the spectators, for the television audience is done. And three games is hugely disappointing.”

Rusedski, a finalist at the 1997 US Open, understood the crowd’s reaction and also feels fans should be given at least a partial refund for their tickets.

“Well, you understand why he was booed off court because of playing so little tennis. We’re in Italy, they’re gonna boo you. I don’t blame them to be quite honest with you. If I was a fan paying, I think I’d have the same reaction,” asserted the British-Canadian.

“I kind of feel that maybe half a refund would have been good, because let’s be frank here, the people are coming in for the singles match.”

Tsitsipas expressed his disappointment at having to withdraw in a press conference and explained why he decided to play.

“My apologies to all the fans and the crowd that came to support me today and watch the match. Really, I’m gutted that I wasn’t able to finish the match and it’s a shame also not to give that spot to someone else, to at least try to do something with it,” said the Greek.

“My doctor and the countless visits that I had in the last few days suggested that I play and gave me the green light to go and try it for myself. Unfortunately, I felt terrible on the court.

“I did what I could do in the best possible way to be ready for this match but it didn’t work out for me. I hate retiring from matches, I’m not the kind of person that likes leaving mid-match, and it kills me not to be able to finish this tournament.

“The pain was very big. I’ve gone though pain during matches in the past and I endured pain, but this was clearly too much to handle and I had to take the difficult decision to do what I did.

“I actually felt it in the warmup of my serve, I felt very irritated, and felt lots of pain hitting me on my back and I kind of knew at that time that I might not be able to go all the way.”

READ MORE: Holger Rune described as a mix of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

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