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Stefanos Tsitsipas US Open 2021
Andy Murray, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Tennis News, US Open Tennis

‘I absolutely hate the rule’ – renowned coach weighs in on Stefanos Tsitsipas debate


A famous figure in the tennis world has given their opinion on the drama surrounding Stefanos Tsitsipas and his showdown with Andy Murray.

Heading into the deciding set of their more than four hour battle, the world number three took a lengthy bathroom break while Murray waited to serve.

Almost eight minutes elapsed between points played, raising eyebrows from some as to the potential gamesmanship of Tsitsipas.

Brad Gilbert, former coach to the likes of Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, gave his view on the situation before the match was even over.

“I absolutely hate the rule on change of gear,” the American tweeted. “That there is no time limit set, no way should you be allowed more than five minutes to play the next point.

“It stretches well past 10 minutes too often.”

Tsitsipas went on to win the match 6-4 in the fifth, breaking in the opening game of the decider and holding on from there.

Both during the break and throughout the final set, Murray remonstrated with the chair umpire and the match supervisor, remaining visibly frustrated by the whole scene.

Murray described what happened as “nonsense”, even suggesting that it had an effect on the outcome of the match.

Meanwhile Tsitsipas insisted he “played by the guidelines,” and that he and Murray should meet to come to some kind of understanding.


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