Temper The flare continues Masters from Shanghai This week, Greek tennis player Stephanos Tsitsipas refused to play after several minutes of mocking the referee.
against opponents in Wednesday's round of 16 matches Daniil Medvedev, Tsitsipas attacked referee Fergus Murphy in the second set when he lost his first serve after being assessed a time violation.
Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece plays a forehand against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during their fourth-round men's singles match during the Shanghai Masters tournament at Qihong Forest Sports City Tennis Center in Shanghai, China, Wednesday, October 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Tsitsipas considered the decision a personal attack on Murphy.
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“Why are you doing this to me? I'm the most consistent player on the tour,” Tsitsipas said. But Murphy didn't budge.
“Just listen, listening can help,” Murphy said. “The clock starts automatically, so you really have to watch it. I have no control over it.”
But Tsitsipas was adamant.
“Why did you suddenly turn against me? I don't understand,” Tsitsipas said. “The last few months have been terrible. “I don't know what I did to you.”
Murphy stood his ground and the match resumed, but Tsitsipas double-faulted and argued with Murphy again, refusing to continue playing unless he could speak to his superior.
American tennis star Tiafoe of France fired a referee after losing at the Shanghai Masters tournament
“You've never played tennis in your life. It looks like you don't know anything about tennis,” Tsitsipas told Murphy in a personal shot. “You obviously didn't have a career. You probably played serve and volley every time. Anyway, tennis is a physical game and we need some time there. You need to show some compassion because you're not showing anything. .
Stephanos Tsitsipas of Greece speaks to the referee during his fourth-round men's singles match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia during the Shanghai Masters tournament at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center in Shanghai, China, Wednesday, October 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
“This is physical sports We don't throw darts here, OK,” he continued. “If it would be unfair, I will have to speak to my supervisor. …You look like you have no idea what you're doing.
Tsitsipas eventually spoke to the supervisor, but lost the match 7–6(3), 6–3.
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The incident followed a heated moment between American tennis star Francis Tiafoe and referee Jimmy Pinorgott on Tuesday, prompting Tiafoe to apologize after a series of offensive dismissals from officials following a third-round defeat.
“I'm truly sorry for the way I acted today. This is not who I am and I didn't want to treat people this way,” she said in a message shared on her Instagram Story.
Francis Tiafoe of the United States celebrates after winning the match against China's Zhou Ye. (Reuters/Tingshu Wang)
“In the heat of the moment I let my frustration get the best of me and I am very disappointed with the way I handled the situation. This is unacceptable behavior and I would like to apologize to the referees, the tournament and the fans. I will be good to all of you.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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