“Everything But a Cheater”: Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Shuts Down Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Critics

One of the biggest fiasco at the US Open 2021 is the never-ending debate revolving around Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek player has received a lot of flak for his constant bathroom breaks. There have been mixed reactions to the same. Previously, Novak Djokovic has been questioned for his decision to take numerous breaks in between matches. When it comes to Tsitsipas, his coach Patrick Mouratoglou has defended him.

It all started in Tsitsipas’ first round encounter against Andy Murray. Having been down for most parts of the match, the Greek star opted to take a break mid-match. His apparent reason was that he sweats profusely, hence having to change clothes. However, the British former World No.1 bought none of it, claiming that he lost his respect for Stefanos after the match. Although the youngster won the encounter, he came under a lot of scrutiny.

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Coach Mouratoglou defends Stefanos Tsitsipas

The incidents were met with mixed reactions in the circuit. While some people said Tsitsipas was well within his rights to take the bathroom breaks, other laid out that it was unethical and a tactical plan. In his second round match against Adrian Mannarino, Tsitsipas repeated the actions, and was booed for the same. But after the match, Patrick Mouratoglou has defended the 23-year-old.

In a recent interview, Mouratoglou said that the claims of Greece’s No.1 player ‘cheating’ were absolutely rubbish. He said “Tsitsipas is everything but a cheater. I can’t hear stuff like that. There was people saying stupid things about him texting his father. His phone was at the hotel.” Thus, the French coach shut down all the people critiquing the Greek sensation.

What do you make of Tsitsipas’ actions, and Mouratoglou’s claims? Either way, Stefanos Tsitsipas has been playing extremely well at the US Open this year. Up next for him, is a mouth-watering clash against the young Carlos Alcaraz. He will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form and go deep in the draw.