Stefanos Tsitsipas has targeted an ATP rule he says would have stripped him or ranked him had he not competed in the Miami Open. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The ATP have grabbed an exceptional broadside from world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas after the Greek star was knocked out of the Miami Open in the round of 16. Karen Khachanov advanced to the quarterfinals at the expense of Tsitsipas, his first tennis Victory over the 24-year-old.
However, the 7-6, 6-4 result was far from Tsitsipas’ greatest post-game frustration. He revealed after the game that he only entered the tournament to avoid a potential ranking points penalty his team feared being imposed by the ATP.
SAD: Bianca Andreescu’s update for fans after Miami Open injury drama
OH NO: Rafa Nadal slams comeback reports in sad update
According to ATP Rules, these classes must participate in all Masters class tournaments as “Engagement” players – who are ranked in the top 30, bar limited exceptions – when faced with injuries or other extraordinary circumstances. Having struggled since his poor form and a nagging shoulder injury memorable run to the Australian Open final in JanuaryTsitsipas had no choice but to enter the rankings or fall off.
Only players who are either over the age of 30, have played 600 or more ATP matches, or have been on the tour for 12 or more years can reduce their tournament load, a rule described by tennis commentator Bastien Fachan Tsitsipas as “ridiculous and dangerous”. does not fit into any of these categories, but still claimed that points would have been deducted if he had not participated.
He had previously claimed at the Miami Open, after defeating Christian Garin, that he only visited Miami to preserve his overall score. “There is an ATP rule, if you don’t play at a Masters 1000, they take away your best 1000 result of the last year,” Tsitsipas said.
“You cannot add points. i had to play You will also get a fine. It’s frustrating to have to think about it on top of your injury.”
Tsitsipas frustrates at Miami Open after Karen Khachanov’s exit
Tsitsipas, who scored a bye in the first round and a walkover in the second round, beat Cristian Garin in his opener in Miami on Monday but never found his best level against Khachanov, who controlled the game by taking nearly 90 percent of his points won on the first serve. “They say the third time is magic, but for me it took seven times, so I’m super happy,” said Khachanov, who lost to Tsitsipas in the semifinals of this year’s Australian Open.
The story goes on
Meanwhile, Indian Wells champion Carlos Alcaraz remains on course to complete the “Sunshine Double” with a straight-set win at the Miami Open over Tommy Paul. Spain’s world No. 1 used his dynamic game to subdue Paul 6-4, 6-4 and set up a quarterfinal against another American, Taylor Fritz, who edged Denmark’s Holger 6-3, 6-4 rune interspersed.
Karen Khachanov celebrated his first ATP victory after seven attempts against Stefanos Tsitsipas. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Alcaraz showed his sensational speed and reflexes to pull off a drop shot for Love-30, breaking Paul two points later for a 3-2 advantage. An acrobatic overhead winner gave Paul a break point at 5-4, but Alcaraz recovered and unleashed a perfectly camouflaged drop shot of his own to win the opener.
In the second set, Paul fell behind again with an early break to make it 2-1 due to a missed forehand. The American, who defeated the Spanish star from behind in their only previous meeting at last year’s Rogers Cup, then fended off a match point while serving 5-3.
But there would be no escaping Alcaraz, the top seeded teenager, who let out a mighty yell as Paul’s forehand went wide to end the contest.
With AAP
Sign up for our newsletter and score the biggest sports stories of the week.
Comments are closed.