What did Fognini say to Tsitsipas in Indian Wells when things got heated?
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Joshua RogersOctober 13, 2021
Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
The two tennis stars had a heated exchange during the third round at Indian Wells. But what did Fognini say to Tsitsipas and why was he upset?
Tsitsipas beats Fognini to advance at Indian Wells
Stefanos Tsitsipas, who just lifted the Laver Cup for Europe, continues his fine form at Indian Wells.
The Greek star beat Spaniard Pedro Martinez in straight sets before meeting Fabio Fognini in the third round.
The world number three won 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and four minutes after falling a set.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, however, and the two exchanged words at the end of the game.
Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
What did Fognini say to Tsitsipas in the heated exchange?
Shortly after losing the first set, Tsitsipas started to get back into the game with some great shots.
However, the Italian was unhappy with something and let the referee know about it.
Fognini complained that Tsitsipas had accepted an illegal coach, but the complaint was dismissed and the referee took no further action.
Fognini complained to the referee that Tsitsipas was training illegally.
— Jose Morgado (@josemorgado) October 13, 2021
The incident clearly angered Fognini, who still looked frustrated at the end of the game.
After Tsitsipas sealed the victory, the two met at the net and then began a fierce confrontation.
It appeared that Fognini was still annoyed by the earlier incident and frustrated with losing momentum after taking the first set.
He clearly wanted to let the Greeks know that he wasn’t impressed by his actions and believed it turned the game in his favor.
Tsitsipas seemed to be defending his innocence, but Fognini knew nothing about it.
The Greeks have been embroiled in other controversial moments of late
The incident comes just weeks after the U.S. Open sparked controversy.
During their match, Andy Murray accused Tsitsipas of taking longer bathroom breaks in order to disrupt the Scot’s rhythm.
The Greek had treatment on his left foot after losing the third set.
He then went to the bathroom after winning the fourth set.
Murray complained about how long it took him, but did nothing.
Tsitsipas went on to win the game 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in 4 hours and 49 minutes.
Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Murray ‘loses respect’ for Tsitsipas
Subsequently, Murray expressed dissatisfaction with his opponent.
“It’s just disappointing because I feel like it affected the outcome of the game,” Murray said. “I’m not saying I’ll definitely win that game, but it has an impact on what’s going on.”
Tsitsipas, however, protested his innocence, saying: “I don’t think I broke any rules.”
He now faces No. 22 seed Alex De Minaur in the next round at Indian Wells.
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Joshua is a senior sports writer with over four years of online writing experience. He graduated from the University of Manchester with a BA in Ancient History and then a MA in Sports Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire. He became a popular writer for a leading social publisher and later spent time covering the 2018 World Cup for The Mirror Online. He then moved to a social marketing agency as a website editor. His expertise at The Focus includes F1, tennis, NBA, NFL and combat sports.
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