Stefanos Tsitsipas’ mum has called Novak Djokovic out for taking breaks in the middle of his matches.
Julia Apostoli claimed that one of the Serb’s trips to the bathroom cost her son the title at the French Open.
She also addressed speculation that Djokovic took “fake” medical time-outs.
Tsitsipas has played two Grand Slam finals in his career, losing both to Djokovic. His first came at the French Open in 2021, when he led by two sets before the world No. 7 stormed back to win in five.
The Greek star’s mum recently recalled their championship match, claiming Djokovic spent too long in the bathroom and admitting she knew Tsitsipas would lose as soon as the 24-time Major winner returned from his break.
Speaking to the Mr. Tennis YouTube channel, Julia said: “When Novak went for a toilet break, which lasted, from my point of view, because we were sitting and waiting, forever.
“But everything was according to the rules there, in fact. And when he came back, I already knew that Novak would win. He came back a different person.”
Julia, herself a former tennis player, wouldn’t speculate what made Djokovic “different” after his toilet break, adding: “How did it happen? That’s a question for Novak. Well, it’s a miracle. It’s a miracle.”
Tsitsipas’ mother was also asked what she thought of the theory that Djokovic took “fake” medical breaks. Again, Julia suggested players were at the mercy of the rules.
“If it’s allowed by the rules… Probably, if you play with your best friend somewhere on the lawn, not for money, but just like that, of course, it would be disrespectful,” she replied.
“But here, excuse me, everything is according to the rules.”
Tsitsipas has also faced criticism for taking long toilet breaks in his career. Andy Murray accused the 26-year-old of “cheating” when he took eight minutes to go to the bathroom during their 2021 US Open clash.
After losing in five sets, the Brit said he had “lost respect” for his opponent. “It’s not so much leaving the court. It’s the amount of time,” Murray added.
“It’s nonsense and he knows it. That’s annoying for me because it sounds like sour grapes because you’ve lost a match. I would have said the same thing if I’d won, I promise.”
The toilet break rule was quickly amended the following year. Players now get one break in a best-of-three set match and two when playing best-of-five sets. They have a three-minute time limit, or five minutes if they are changing their clothes.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk