Wenslus Murape
STEFANOS TSITSIPAS was branded a “cry baby” for refusing to play and then telling the umpire: “I hope you get fired.”
Tsitsipas, 26, faced old nemesis Daniil Medvedev in the last 16 at the Shanghai Masters.
But after they put their differences aside to pose for a pre-match photo — prompting audible gasps from the crowd — the Greek star lost his rag with a spectacular meltdown.
Tsitsipas dropped the first set on a tie-break and was serving with a break early in the second when his frustrations boiled over.
Chair umpire Fergus Murphy called Tsitsipas up for a time violation because the 25-second shot clock expired and docked the two-time Grand Slam finalist of his first serve.
But the player was furious and stormed towards Murphy to remonstrate and make his feelings clear.
Tsitsipas said: “I’m being so reasonable. Why are you doing this to me man?
“I’m the best about this on tour, the most consistent player about this on tour.”
Murphy replied: “The clock starts automatically, just listen. It might help if you listen.
“The clock starts automatically so you really have to watch the clock. I have no control over that.”
But Tsitsipas hit back: “Why are you guys against me so much? The last few months have been terrible. I don’t understand what’s gotten into you.” Murphy refuted the accusations: “That’s not a correct statement. I’m not against you or anybody.”
Tsitsipas asked: “Are you sure? There are some out there who are much worse than me.”
Murphy then added: “Well maybe if you watch more matches, I’m sure they get time violations.
“The best thing to do is talk about this match. On that serve you were too slow.
“You need to watch the clock. You have to keep watching the clock and keep up.”
Tsitsipas reluctantly returned to the baseline for his second serve – which he missed to double fault.
He then dropped his serve as Medvedev levelled the set at 2-2.
But before the Russian could begin the next game, Tsitsipas unleashed another petulant protest — walking back to his chair and sitting down to demand the supervisor. Tsitsipas moaned: “I need to talk to them, we need to have a conversation about the time.
“My issue is the double fault you just took away from me. That’s the issue. Have you never played tennis in your life? You have no clue about tennis it seems like.”
Murphy said: “I have. I’m not as good as you are, but I’ve played.” — Sun.
Online Reporter