Tsitsipas keeps mum on vaccination status as reports of Australia allowing only vaccinated players to enter emerge

The world No 3 had been criticized for his views on vaccination earlier this year

AI / Reuters / Panoramic

October 7, 2021

World No 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas declined to reveal his vaccination status when he was asked about the same during Media Day at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Wednesday.

Tsitsipas came under heavy criticism a few months ago, especially back in his native Greece, for his views on the COVID-19 vaccine. The Greek later stated that he did plan to take the vaccine since it would be a requirement to do many things in normal life.

With reports coming out of Australia that players entering the country for the Australian Open in 2022 would require to be vaccinated, the topic has come back to the centre stage in the tennis world. Tsitsipas said he did not want to share any details about his medical records.

“I’m sorry but I’m not able to provide any of my medical records.”

Dry conditions in Indian Wells means fewer bathroom breaks: Tsitsipas

However, Tsitsipas did speak about the controversy around his bathroom breaks, which became the focal point of the US Open during the first week.

The 23-year-old was criticized by first-round opponent Andy Murray for taking a very long bathroom break during their five-set battle at the US Open, which the Greek went on to win. Some other players and fans online trolled the Greek player saying he often uses the bathroom break as a tactic to disrupt the rhythm of his opponents.

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Tennis Majors

When Tsitsipas was asked about the playing conditions in Indian Wells, he took the opportunity to make light of the controversy and gave a humorous take on the same.

“It’s very dry here. That is good for me because I sweat less, which makes for less bathroom breaks, which makes for fewer complaints. So a very good sign so far.”

Seeded second at Indian Wells, Tsitsipas will face either Pedro Martinez or Roberto Marcora in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.