US Open: Andy Murray-Stefanos Tsitsipas, Serena Williams-Naomi Osaka and Other Controversies

Andy Murray and Stefanos Tsitsipas

In the ongoing US Open, Andy Murray lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of men’s singles category. However, Andy gave a statement to media saying that he has lost all respect for Stefanos. The latter, current world number 3, Stefanos took a controversial bathroom break at the end of the fourth set. The the Greek star spent around eight minutes off court. He also required a medical timeout for an apparent foot problem after losing the third set to Andy and this irked the latter. "It can't be a coincidence that it's happening at those moments. I don't believe it [Stefanos' foot] was causing him any issue at all," said world number 112 to the media after he lost the match.

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka 

In 2018, 36-year-old Serena played 20-year-old Naomi from Japan in the US Open final. Much to the surprise of every one Naomi won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. But she broke down during the trophy presentation for her first Grand Slam title as Serena’s angry fans booed her. Williams was fined $17,000 as chair umpire Carlos Ramos of Portugal had called three code violations against her -- the first for coaching, the second for racket abuse and the third for verbal abuse. The code violations cost Williams a point and a game, and she repeatedly clashed with Ramos, calling him "a liar" and "a thief" and saying, "I don't cheat ... You owe me an apology!" Williams asked Carlos, "Because I'm a woman, you're going to take this from me?” Confused fans of the tennis star were not happy and Naomi’s big win got lost in the din of the controversy.

Alizé Cornet changes her shirt in the middle of a match

French athlete Alizé Cornet stirred up a controversy in 2018 when she briefly removed her shirt during a round 1 match during a break as she had accidentally put it on backwards. She was given a code violation for doing that but fans and players were quick to post out that men were allowed to change their shirts, so it was a sexist decision and had to be revoked. Ultimately, tournament officials apologised to Cornet and clarified that all players are allowed to change in their chairs or off court.

Maria Sharpova accused of coaching 

Maria Sharapova’s won the US Open title in 2006 but many questioned whether she won it legitimately. Her father who was spotted holding a banana a couple of instance was accused of illegally coaching his daughter. However, Sharapova refuted the allegations by saying her father was merely reminding her to eat something.

Serena Williams’ catsuit

In 2002 US Open, Serena Williams wore a black catsuit to the court and was caught in a controversy. Many criticised the look, calling it inappropriate for play and was a major focus in post-match press conferences. However, the outfit didn’t Williams’ on-court performance, as she went on to win the women’s singles title.