Andy Murray rages at Stefanos Tsitsipas over toilet break in US Open epic

Andy Murray said in his press conference he "lost respect" for Stefanos Tsitsipas and accused his US Open opponent of deliberately taking long breaks to disrupt his momentum in their first-round clash at Flushing Meadows.

The pair delighted the crowd at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the Greek coming from behind to edge out the three-time Grand Slam winner over five sets.

But there were flashpoints during the match with Tsitsipas leaving the court for toilet breaks and to change his clothes twice, much to the frustration of the Briton.

Murray was heard on court complaining to officials, and at one point in the final set simply said: "He's cheating."

And he continued his complaints after the match, slamming the Greek for purposefully taking lengthy breaks to disrupt his rhythm and claiming "it influenced the outcome of the match".

Murray told reporters he had prepared for the mental impact of such disruptions, but complained he could do nothing to prevent the physical effects the lack of action over several minutes would have.

He said: "When you're playing a brutal match like that, stopping for seven, eight minutes, you do cool down.

Do you think Tsitsipas was purposefully taking too long with his breaks? Let us know in the comments section.

"You can prepare for it mentally as much as you like, but it's the fact that it does affect you physically when you take a break that long multiple times in the match.

"Every single time it was before my serve as well. I think when he took the medical timeout, it was just after I had won the third set. Also in the fourth set when I had love-30, he chose to go.

"It can't be a coincidence that it's happening at those moments. I don't believe it was causing him any issue at all. The match went on for another two and a bit hours after that or something. He was fine, moving great I thought."

The Scot continued: "I rate him a lot. I think he's a brilliant player. I think he's great for the game. But I have zero time for that stuff at all, and I lost respect for him.

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"It was nonsense, and he knows it."

Murray's comments were later put to Tsitsipas, who denied any wrongdoing and insisted he had not broken any rules.

He said: "I played by the guidelines, how everything is. Yeah, definitely something for both of us to chat about. I don't know how my opponent feels when I'm out there playing the match. It's not really my priority.

"As far as I'm playing by the rules and sticking to what the ATP says is fair, then the rest is fine. I have nothing against him. Absolutely nothing."

The Greek, ranked third in the world, justified the length of his breaks by claiming it was the walk to and from the changing room and switching his clothes that takes up so much time.

"I think it's clear I took my clothes with me when I left the court," he said. "That's the amount of time it takes for me to change my clothes and to walk back to the court.

"I don't know what's the rule regarding that, if there is one. But as far as I know you're allowed to have two toilet breaks to go change your clothes in a five-setter.

"I followed that throughout my entire career. I've never broken any rules, so I see no reason that's a problem."

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