Stefanos Tsitsipas Accused of Receiving Illegal Coaching by Fabio Fognini at Indian Wells

After an unspectacular run at US Open 2021, Stefanos Tsitsipas lifted the Laver Cup trophy for Team Europe. The Greek won his both matches, including the singles and doubles events. Tsitsipas has set his sight on the Indian Wells competition now. In his opening match, he smoothly overcame Spaniard Pedro Martinez in straight sets.

In the round of 32, Tsitsipas locked horns with the Italian, Fabio Fognini. Despite trailing by one set, Tsitsipas regained his composure and came out victorious. Though during the match, especially after the first set, Fognini had some complaints about Tsitsipas.

Stefanos Tsitsipas was accused of taking illegal coaching

Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Fabio Fognini in an enthralling third-round contest. Coming from one set down, Tsitsipas outclassed Fognini in three sets. During his match, Tsitsipas fired some strong forehand winners.

However, the match had a controversial twist. Fognini went to the Umpire to complain about Tsitsipas receiving illegal coaching. But the complaint was overruled, as the umpire didn’t take any further action. Interestingly, this is not the first time Tsitsipas has been in the middle of controversy this season.

Fognini complaining to the umpire that Tsitsipas is receiving ilegal coaching.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 13, 2021

Recently at US Open 2021, Andy Murray accused the Greek of taking longer bathroom to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. Just before the start of the fifth and deciding set, Tsitsipas took an elongated bathroom break which made Murray furious. The Scot complained to the umpire about the situation, but with no guidelines regarding bathroom breaks, no action was taken.

Aug 30, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece after beating Andy Murray of Great Britain on day one of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

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Tsitsipas advances to the round of 16

After putting up an emphatic show against Fognini, Stefanos Tsitsipas has advanced into the round of 16. The Greek’s next challenge is Alex de Minaur of Australia. The Australian has registered straight-set victories in both of his matches so far. In his third-round contest, he defeated the Chilean Cristian Garin.

Aug 30, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece hits to Andy Murray of Great Britain (not pictured) on day one of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

However, in head-to-head statistics, Tsitsipas leads the matchup by a margin of 5-0. It will be enthralling to see whether Tsitsipas can surpass Alex de Minaur for the sixth time or not.

ALSO READ: Stefanos Tsitsipas Reveals Why He Would Take ‘Fewer Bathroom Breaks’ at Indian Wells Masters 2021

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