Stefanos Tsitsipas lost his temper and demanded that the fan during his match at the Cincinnati Masters be removed because she was acting like a bee.
The Greek tennis player was preparing to serve against American world No. 40 Ben Shelton when the strange incident occurred during the Masters 1000 match.
Tsitsipas attempted to swat away what he believed to be a bee before returning to his serving routine, but the noises persisted.
The fourth-ranked player in the world stopped again before discovering that a bystander was making the buzzing sound.
Tsitsipas complained to the match referee, “There’s a person imitating a bee behind me.” Right before I serve, there is a buzz. Do you believe that is okay?
The umpire insisted that he would handle the situation, but Tsitsipas took matters into his own hands and went to where he heard the buzzing in the crowd.
As one spectator pointed to a woman in the front row in response to Tsitsipas’ direct question, the 25-year-old turned to the umpire for clarification.
When the woman behind him ‘imitates a bee’ while he is serving, Tsisipas loses his composure.
Tsitsipas continued, “It has never happened in my career.” “I am aware that they are backing the [other player],”
‘What’s happened?’ his opponent Shelton questioned. Are they addressing you?
‘No, they’re impersonating a bee, they’re buzzing ‘bzzzzzz’ – it’s the lady over there,’ Tsitsipas retorted. I want her to leave. She must leave.
The spectator attempted to discourage Tsitsipas, but he went on to win the match 7-6 7-6 and advance to the round of 16.
Tsitsipas is getting ready for the US Open, the year’s last big competition, which begins on August 28.
Although he has reached the Grand Slam finals twice, he has never made it past the third round at Flushing Meadows, so he will be hoping for better luck in New York.