Reilly Opelka defends Stefanos Tsitsipas following US Open controversy

World No. 24 Reilly Opelka has come to the defence of third-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas left the courtroom for seven minutes after the fourth set of his first spherical match and Andy Murray was completely irate that the Greek took such a prolonged rest room break.

When Tsitsipas returned, he broke Murray within the opening sport of the fifth set and ended up claiming a 2-6 7-6 (7) 3-6 6-3 6-4 win. On the Cincinnati Masters, Tsitsipas did the identical towards Alexander Zverev and the German accused him of leaving the courtroom along with his cellphone and texting his coach.

“You recognize, I do not know Tsitsipas. I do not know his state of affairs. I doubt he is getting coached. I extremely doubt it. As we speak, you already know, I could not even take my bag in to vary. I am like, ‘Guys, my garments and sneakers are in there’

You’ll be able to come stand in right here with me in order for you. I do not like being coached on courtroom, that stance. I do not assume he would have on-court teaching in any respect, however I strictly go to vary as a result of it is humid,” Opelka stated, per Tennis Panorama Information.

“If folks do not perceive that, then clearly they’ve by no means spent a day within the lifetime of an expert athlete or come near it.”

Murray misplaced his respect for Tsitsipas

“However, yeah, it could actually’t be coincidence that it is taking place at these moments.

I do not imagine it was inflicting him any concern in any respect. The match went on for an additional two and a bit hours after that or one thing. He was nice, transferring nice I believed,” Murray stated in his post-match press convention. “Yeah, it is simply disappointing as a result of I believed it influenced the end result of the match.

I am not saying I essentially win that match, for certain, however it had affect on what was taking place after these two breaks. “I fee him so much. I feel he is a superb participant. I feel he’s nice for the sport. However I’ve zero time for that stuff all, and I misplaced respect for him.”