Stefanos Tsitsipas gained’t stand for Bee S.
The world No. 4 urged an umpire to toss a fan from the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday for apparently making a buzzing sound when he tried to serve in opposition to American Ben Shelton.
“There’s an individual imitating a bee behind me,” the Greek athlete instructed the umpire on the Ohio event, in accordance with video from Tennis TV.
“It’s a buzz proper earlier than I serve.”
Tsitsipas, 25, then walked over to the stands and inquired concerning the supply of the sound, with one spectator pointing the finger towards a fan within the first row.
He then returned to the umpire, who requested Tsitsipas if he knew who was making the noise.
“It has by no means occurred in my profession,” Tsitsipas stated.
“I do know they’re supporting the [other player].”
When Shelton, 20, requested, “What’s occurred? Are they chatting with you?” Tsitsipas replied, “No, they’re imitating a bee, they’re buzzing.”
Tsitsipas alleged it was a “woman over there,” making it clear to the umpire he needed her gone.
“I need her out. She must go … I’m about to serve and all I hear …,” Tsitsipas instructed the umpire, who instructed him to return if the fan buzzed once more.
A lady within the stands could possibly be seen moments later apologizing to Tsitsipas, with the 2 briefly conversing.
Tsitsipas, who reached the Australian Open ultimate in January earlier than shedding to Novak Djokovic, defeated Shelton on Wednesday, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).
He’ll face Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on Thursday within the spherical of 16.
The Western & Southern Open runs by Sunday, Aug. 20.
