Alexander Zverev defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4) in a tough semifinal match at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. During the match, Zverev accused Tsitsipas of getting coaching via text from his dad while Tsitsipas was on a bathroom break.

Tsitsipas took an eight-minute bathroom break at the end of the first set. Tsitsipas took his bag with him to the bathroom. Zverev was not impressed. 

He took his bag with his phone and everything in it. This was the same thing in Paris and is going to be the same thing every other tournament he’s playing.

– Alexander Zverev to chair umpire Adel Nour

Upon returning from a bathroom break, Tsitsipas changed his tactics. He served and volleyed a lot in the second set – something he didn’t do in the first set. 

Tsitsipas has a long history of getting coaching from his dad during matches. In this case, Zverev is insinuating that Tsitsipas and his dad are texting during a bathroom break. In a coincidence, Apostolos Tsitsipas was seen texting when Stefanos was in the bathroom.

Neither player addressed the issue during their post-match press conference. Zverev went on to win the title beating Andrey Rublev in the final. 

Novak Djokovic has a new friend who shares his anti-vaccination stance. Stefanos Tsitsipas has said that he will only take the vaccine if it is made mandatory by tournaments.

Here are some comments from Tsitsipas that have become controversial.

I’m young, under 25 category, for me the vaccine has not been tested enough, it is new. It has some side effects

I want to see a better version of the vaccine, which will give us more pluses than minuses.

I personally know some people who have had them. I’m not against it, I just see no reason for someone in my age group to need to be vaccinated

Apostolos Tsitsipas, the father of Stefanos Tsitsipas, echoed similar views

Athletes have a strong enough immune system to deal with any challenge that may arise. They take the necessary measures, are in a controlled environment and do PCR and Antigen tests almost every day.

Not surprisingly, the Greek government pushed back on Tsitsipas’ comments. Government spokesman Giannis Economou  said that Tsitsipas doesn’t have the knowledge or background to make such comments. He also said that athletes, who have huge social social influence should be careful when expressing views on such topics.

Other tennis players such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have taken the vaccine and have encouraged others to take the vaccine.