NEW YORK – Stefanos Tsitsipas shared his frustrations at becoming the center of attention for his bathroom getaways at the U.S. Open, and said after the third-round loss to 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz , Friday, who didn’t understand “why everyone is suddenly against me.”
Tsitsipas, who lost a grueling five seters against Alcaraz at Arthur Ashe Stadium, said he never assumed he would be universally loved, but said he has faced negative attention for “no reason.”
“I took a break in the toilet as a normal athlete,” said Tsitsipas, No. 3 in the tournament. “It may have taken a little longer than the other athletes. But if there’s a rule that says there’s a specific time you’re allowed, I’d probably try to follow that protocol, that rule, and stick to the guidelines and try to follow it as much as possible “.
Tsitsipas added, “For me, all I did was change from wet clothes to dry clothes. Apparently, it’s a huge problem.”
Although he did not name any players, Tsitsipas suggested that some in the past have taken “more time than they are allowed” and that it has been a problem for him to “get cold, not feel my game, have of waiting more than 30, 35 seconds between the services I’ve had “. However, Tsitsipas said he never complained about anything.
“Then you have these players that everyone knows have been around for so long, but no one says anything,” he added.
Tsitsipas also reiterated that allegations that he used his cell phone to text his coach at the Cincinnati Open were “completely false,” adding that it was the “most ridiculous” thing he had ever heard in his life. .
Tsitsipas also said he was not used to being influenced by fan support, but that he was surprised by the reaction of the crowd at Flushing Meadows.
“But it seems to me that people don’t understand it,” he said. “They’re here for the show. They want to watch tennis. They’re very impatient, especially the new generation. They just want to do it fast.”
Much of Friday’s crowd was behind Alcaraz throughout the match, booing Tsitsipas when he was warned of a time and coach infraction. They also sang “Carlos! Carlos!” during break points.
“I mean, fan support is important, but I just need to get out and act,” Tsitsipas said. “It doesn’t matter right now.”