The practice has long been seen as a tactic utilized by players to break their opponent’s momentum when they are losing, but it hogged headlines lately when Andy Murray accused Stefano Tsitsipas of gamesmanship after taking more than seven minutes in the toilet at a critical point in their US Open match.
Murray furiously vented his exasperation at the officials for their inaction on what he saw to be delaying tactics by the world number three, which he felt affected the outcome of their first round match.
Tsitsipas, who eventually beat the former number one, insisted he had not broken any rules with his actions.
Lengthy toilet breaks may soon be thing of the past https://t.co/H2sRcwXydX pic.twitter.com/8yTeEVQXUP
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 16, 2021See AlsoStefanos Tsitsipas ArchivesThe Best Tennis Players of All Time (Top 10 Male + Female) - The Tennis BrosStefanos Tsitsipas on his controversies in 2022: I welcome the criticismStefanos Tsitsipas | Overview | ATP Tour | Tennis
ATP and WTA rules on bathroom breaks
Currently, the Association of Tennis Professionals rulebook states that a player is allowed one toilet break during a best of three set match and two toilet breaks during a best of five set match. These breaks should be taken on a set break and should be used for no other purpose.
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Meanwhile, the Women’s Tennis Association regulations allow a player one bathroom break per match. The WTA says if a toilet break is taken during the set, it must be done before the player’s own service game.
Although there is mention of the limit to the number of toilet breaks, there is no specific time limit for them.
No more loopholes in breaks?
ATP sources told Reuters that there will be changes in the rules for breaks requested during tournaments.
“I hope that before the next season begins in January, we will have a stricter rule when it comes to toilet breaks and medical timeouts,” according to the source.
“It’s been an issue for a long time but we are taking quite a serious approach now to try and change it,” the source added.
The WTA meanwhile says it was “always open to conversation and evolving rules if changes are necessary”.
If the ATP changes its rules, it would only apply to tour events. To have regulations changed at major tournaments like the US Open and Wimbledon, the Grand Slam Board would be the one to implement any desired amendments.
As a tennis enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the world of professional tennis, my knowledge spans various aspects of the sport, from player strategies to the intricate rules and regulations that govern it. I have closely followed the developments and controversies within the tennis community, which allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article.
The incident involving Andy Murray and Stefano Tsitsipas at the US Open sheds light on the issue of gamesmanship and the utilization of strategic breaks during matches. Andy Murray accused Tsitsipas of employing delaying tactics, specifically by taking an extended toilet break at a crucial moment in their match. This accusation raises questions about the existing rules regarding bathroom breaks in professional tennis and the impact they can have on a player's performance and the outcome of a match.
The article mentions the current rules set by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) regarding bathroom breaks. According to the ATP rulebook, players are allowed one toilet break during a best-of-three set match and two toilet breaks during a best-of-five set match. These breaks are expected to be taken during set breaks and for no other purpose. On the other hand, the WTA allows one bathroom break per match, specifying that if taken during the set, it must be done before the player's own service game.
One crucial point to note is that while there is a limit on the number of toilet breaks, there is no specific time limit mentioned in the current regulations. This lack of a time constraint has led to instances where players take extended breaks, potentially disrupting the flow of the game and affecting the momentum of their opponents.
The article also touches upon potential changes in the rules for breaks during tournaments, with ATP sources indicating a desire for stricter regulations. The source mentioned in the article expresses hope that before the next season begins, there will be a more rigorous rule in place regarding toilet breaks and medical timeouts. This reflects a recognition within the tennis community that the issue has persisted for a long time and that there is a serious effort to address and rectify it.
Moreover, the Women's Tennis Association states its openness to conversation and evolving rules if changes are deemed necessary. However, any changes made by the ATP would apply only to tour events, and for regulations to be altered at major tournaments like the US Open and Wimbledon, the Grand Slam Board would be responsible for implementing any desired amendments.
In summary, the incident involving Andy Murray and Stefano Tsitsipas has brought attention to the need for clearer and more strictly enforced rules regarding bathroom breaks in professional tennis. The current rules, as outlined by the ATP and WTA, are subject to potential revisions, with a focus on preventing gamesmanship and ensuring fair play within the sport.
