Furious US Open fight sparked by Andy Murray after toilet break drama
Andy Murray and Stefanos Tsitsipas claim they are friends again, but that was certainly not the case during their controversial first-round match at the 2021 US Open. Two years ago, the 2012 champion accused his opponent of “cheating” after taking his time during toilet breaks at Flushing Meadows.
A highly-anticipated matchup between the Brit and the then World No. 3 delivered drama and more during an almost five-hour-long contest. While Murray was out of the top 100 entering the tournament following an injury-hit four years, the gulf in rankings did not show at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite Murray winning the first and third sets 6-2 and 6-3, Tsitsipas would bounce back each time to force a deciding set. As their first-ever meeting neared an end, unfamiliarity with each other came to the fore.
An eight-minute hiatus ensued before the fifth set would begin as the Greek player was away from the court. He went on to receive a time violation, which did little to ease his opponent’s anger.
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Addressing ATP supervisor Gerry Armstrong during the delay, courtside microphones overheard Murray venting his frustrations. “What,” he asked, “for 20 minutes every time? How long do you think it was?”
“In the toilets right there, what’s he doing in there? It’s never once taken me that long to go to the toilet ever when it’s right there.”
Attention also turned to the chair umpire, with Murray asking: “What’s your opinion on this? Give me an opinion, do you think it’s good?” Turning back to Armstrong, he continued: “You know as well as I do that this is an absolute disgrace.”
Once the fifth set eventually got underway, the Brit, who was serving first, lost the opening game on course to exiting the tournament earlier than ever. However, the complaints did not contain themselves to the confines of centre court.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Murray made his case. “It’s not so much leaving the court. It’s the amount of time,” he said.
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Once the fifth set eventually got underway, the Brit, who was serving first, lost the opening game on course to exiting the tournament earlier than ever. However, the complaints did not contain themselves to the confines of centre court.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Murray made his case. “It’s not so much leaving the court. It’s the amount of time,” he said.
“I spoke to my team before the match about it and said to expect that, prepare for it if things were not going his way. So I was trying to do that.”
Murray continued: “I rate him a lot. I think he’s a brilliant player. I think he’s great for the game. But I have zero time for that stuff at all, and I lost respect for him … I think it’s nonsense. And he knows it, as well.”
Asked in his press conference about it, Tsistipas remained defiant. “I don’t think I broke any rules. I played by the guidelines, how everything is … As far as I’m playing by the rules.”
The situation would also spill onto social media, with Murray tweeting: “Fact of the day. It takes Stefanos Tsitipas [sic] twice as long to go the bathroom as it takes Jeff Bazos [sic] to fly into space. Interesting.”
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