Stefanos Tsitsipas got into a tense argument with Fergus Murphy during a Shanghai Masters match versus Daniil Medvedev as the Greek directed some strong words at the chair umpire before wishing him in the face to get fired from the ATP Tour.
On Tuesday, the two-time Grand Slam finalist and the fifth-seeded Russian were in the midst of a very tight battle. After losing the first set through a tie-break, the Greek collected an early second-set break.
But leading 2-1 and facing 15-30 on his serve, Tsitsipas received a time violation warning.
“Why are you doing this to me man? I’m the best about this on tour, the most consistent player about this on tour,” the former world No. 3 said after approaching Murphy. The umpire responded: “The clock starts automatically, just listen. It might help if you listen. The clock starts automatically. I have no control over that.”
Fergus Murphy© X screenshot
Tsitsipas rips Murphy: You have no clue, I hope you get fired!
After airing his frustration that lately umpires have been against him, the 26-year-old was told by Murphy that it “was not a correct statement” and that he was “too slow,” which led to the violation.
“You have no clue about tennis it seems like,” Tsitsipas was heard telling the umpire.
After stating that Murphy never played in his life, the Greek was told that it wasn’t true.
“Definitely you have no cardio. You probably serve and volley all the time. Tennis is a physical sport. We need time over there. Show some compassion. We aren’t throwing darts out here,” the 2023 Australian Open finalist said.
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ drama with chair umpire:
– You have never played tennis in your life, you have no clue about tennis
– I have. I’m not as good as you.
– You have no cardio. (…) Tennis is a physical sport, we’re not throwing darts out there”pic.twitter.com/376tXzpK2V
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) October 9, 2024
Following the incident, Tsitsipas went on to get broken back in that fourth game and to lose in two sets as Medvedev claimed a 7-6 (3) 6-3 win.
As he was leaving the court, the current world No. 12 blamed only one person for his defeat.
“I hope you get fired. I really wish it,” Tsitsipas told Murphy.