Patrick Mouratoglou scolds ‘bully’ publication for ‘hitting Stefanos Tsitsipas when he’s down’
The renowned coach has defended Stefanos Tsitsipas and condemned the ridicule put forward by the reporting group.
The world number three has received much attention for his on-court actions with regards to bathroom breaks and rules for time taken off-court.
But long-time mentor and top coach Patrick Mouratoglou has taken issue with a recent post shared by a notable source.
“Not pretty to hit a man when he is down,” the Frenchman tweeted in response to a meme mocking Tsitsipas.
“Always feels safer to rally the pack though.”
Not pretty to hit a man when he is down. Always feels safer to rally the pack though. https://t.co/Q4CZu4wkWF
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) September 4, 2021
In response to another tweet calling out the publication, Mouratoglou followed up by saying “Interesting to note that the world is very much rightly into mental health and the same people who advocate for it would bully the players.”
Thank you for bringing that up. Interesting to note that the world is very much rightly into mental health and the same people who advocate for it would bully the players… https://t.co/OfXoV8R7l8
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) September 4, 2021
Tsitsipas twice opted to take extended breaks between sets during the US Open. Firstly against Andy Murray between the fourth and fifth sets, then again when facing Adrian Mannarino after losing the third set.
Fans became aware of the occurrence following the Murray match and proceeded to boo Tsitsipas whenever he left and returned to the court, or did something they found questionable.
The Greek defended his actions as not technically breaking any rules, but many called his actions those of gamesmanship and not in the spirit of the sport.
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