Even before the start of the season-ending ATP Finals tournament there was speculation about the health of Stefanos Tsitsipaswho complained of elbow problems. There were voices that the Greek would be replaced by Hubert Hurkacz, who came to the event as a substitute. This is what happened, but the change occurred only in the 25-year-old’s match against Holger Rune. The player lasted only three games and later announced that withdraws from the competition. The audience’s reaction was clear. Tsitsipas was booed by the fans. He himself deprived the White and Reds of the opportunity to play two matches and leave the group. At the press conference, he expressed remorse and addressed the fans.
“I apologize to all the people who came to the match today and supported me. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it finish the meeting and that I didn’t give anyone else a chance this way. In recent days I have had numerous doctor visits, a my doctors cleared me to play. I tried to prepare for this match as best as I could, but I couldn’t,” the athlete said.
Hubert Hurkacz’s rival was defeated. Strong words were spoken
The 2003 US Open champion spoke clearly about the Greek – Andy Roddick. American he wasn’t just disappointed the 25-year-old’s attitude in Turin, but also drew attention to his words regarding the ATP Finals. He believes that he should prepare for the next big event, which awaits him in the new calendar year.
My opinion is that if your elbow is not fully functional, you need to start thinking about what will happen in January
~ said the 41-year-old to Tennis Channel, referring to the Grand Slam Australian Open.
Roddick recalled the recent words of a player who said that the ATP Finals are more important than the Grand Slam. The American strongly disagrees with the tennis player on this issue, and called his claim “ridiculous”.
“I know he said something funny this week about the ATP Finals being bigger than the Slam. I completely disagree with this and even I don’t think Stefanos believes it himself“- he noted.
The 25-year-old’s absence meant he entered the game Hubert Hurkacz. Instead of the Greek, the Pole will play the last match in the group with the titled Serbian Novak Djokovic. The match will be played on Thursday, November 16 at 2:30 p.m.
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