The relationship between Stefanos Tsitsipas and court violations seems to be a never-ending one. However, now he feels that the penalty is an unfair treatment to him as other players get away with the same act without being penalized.

Since the start of the season, the Greek ace has been receiving penalties following his father’s on-court coaching. Madrid was no different. During his semifinal clash with the second-seeded Alexander Zverev, Tsistsipas received yet another point penalty. The reason? On-court coaching by his father Apostolos Tsitsipas.

However, this time, instead of arguing with the umpire, Stefanos decided to express his disapproval in a different way. Resting his case, he took an indirect yet sharp dig at Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz.

Stefanos receives a point penalty in Barcelona

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev were packed in a tight match. With each player winning one set, the two were now fighting in the third set for a place in the last 2. Playing his best tennis, Zverev took a 3-0 lead in the final set. Hoping to get back in the game, Tsitsipas kicked off the fourth game with his serve. However, little did he know that something he has become familiar with was about to take place yet again.

Winning the first point of the game, Tsitsipas was serving for the second point when his father Apostolos said something in Greek. According to Apostolos, he was just cheering. However, the umpire took note of the act and slammed Stefanos with a point penalty.

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In such cases, Stefanos has frequently been spotted arguing with the umpire. However, that wasn’t the case this time. Expressing his belief over the unfair treatment towards him, Stefanos said, “If we all follow what the regulations say, you should also start giving coaching warnings to all the other tennis players. And you know who I am referring to.” 

In the above case, Tsitsipas was indirectly referring to his quarterfinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona. During the match, Carlos reportedly received on-court coaching. He also took a longer toilet break as compared to other players. However, the promising Spanish sensation was not penalized for either of the aforementioned acts.

Stefanos Tsitsipas in Madrid

Stefanos Tsitsipas has been in a roaring form since the start of the clay swing of the tour. Winning in Monte Carlo and reaching the quarterfinals in Barcelona, Stefanos is currently playing in Madrid.

Entering the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid as the third seed, Tsitsipas received a first-round bye. Kicking off his campaign in the second round, he beat French wildcard entrant Lucas Pouille. Going further, he went on to beat Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

Winning the first two rounds with ease, Tsitsipas further went on to beat the 6th seeded Russian, Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals. However, his run came to a halt in the semifinals after suffering a three-set loss to Alexander Zverev.

He will next play the Rome Masters.

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