The Cincinnati Open witnessed an unusual disruption when Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas encountered an unexpected adversary – a fan imitating a bee. Amidst the intense matches, this peculiar incident added a touch of humor to the competition.
The Bee Impersonation
During a match against American player Ben Shelton, Tsitsipas found himself momentarily distracted while preparing to serve in the second set. Believing a bee was causing the disturbance, Tsitsipas attempted to swat it away, only to realize that the buzzing sound was being replicated by a fan.
Recognizing the charade, Tsitsipas walked up to the chair umpire to voice his concern. He explained, “There’s a person imitating a bee behind me. It’s a buzz right before I serve.” This unexpected interruption compelled him to take action.
Tsitsipas ventured to the back of the court, pinpointing the source of the imitation amongst a group of fans. He identified a woman sitting near the court as the instigator of the buzzing sound.
Returning to the umpire, Tsitsipas insisted on the woman’s removal from the stands, stating, “It has never happened in my career. I know they’re supporting the [other player] … it’s the lady over there. I want her out. She needs to go.”
Tsitsipas’ Triumph Despite the Disturbance
Despite the unexpected distraction, Tsitsipas showcased his focus and determination by winning the match with a score of 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2). His victory demonstrated his resilience in the face of unconventional challenges.
In a separate match, 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic secured his advancement to the third round when his opponent, Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, retired hurt due to a lower back injury. Djokovic won the first set 6-4 before the match concluded prematurely.
Djokovic’s presence in the United States marked his return since 2021, as he was previously barred from entering due to pandemic-related restrictions. His next opponent will be French veteran Gael Monfils, as Djokovic strives to elevate his performance and progress in the tournament.
