NEW YORK — Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas has been hit with a significant fine following his dramatic third-round exit at the 2024 US Open, a match marred by controversy and a fiery on-court confrontation. The world No. 8 was penalized a total of $12,500 for two separate violations during his four-set loss to Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori, with the most substantial portion stemming from a visible and audible coaching infraction.
The infractions occurred during a tense and ultimately crushing 7-5, 7-6(7), 3-6, 6-7(4), 6-3 defeat that lasted over four hours on the Grandstand court. Tsitsipas, a two-time major finalist, was cited for audible obscenity, resulting in a $5,000 fine, and for coaching, which carried the heftier penalty of $7,500. The coaching violation, handed down by chair umpire Adel Nour, became a central flashpoint in the match's narrative.
A Heated Exchange and a Point Penalty
The tension boiled over in the crucial fourth-set tiebreak. After a disputed call, Tsitsipas engaged in a prolonged and animated argument with Nour, contesting a ruling. The dispute escalated to the point where the Greek star directly confronted his opponent, Ruusuvuori, across the net, a highly unusual and confrontational move in professional tennis. The verbal exchange led Nour to issue a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, which translated into a point penalty at the start of the fifth set.
This penalty put Tsitsipas at an immediate disadvantage in the decisive set, a significant moment in a match of such fine margins. The confrontation appeared to stem from Tsitsipas's frustration with what he perceived as inconsistent officiating, particularly regarding the coaching warnings. In his post-match press conference, Tsitsipas acknowledged the incident but defended his actions, stating, "There was some conversation that took place. I felt like there was some... I don't know. I don't remember things right now. It was a very emotional moment."
A Recurring Issue for Tsitsipas
This is not the first time the 25-year-old has found himself in hot water for receiving coaching from his father and longtime coach, Apostolos Tsitsipas. It has been a persistent topic of discussion throughout his career. Most notably, he was repeatedly warned and penalized for the same offense during his run to the 2021 French Open final, a storyline that dominated much of the tournament's coverage.
The Grand Slam rules are explicit: players cannot receive any form of communication from their team during a match. The violations are categorized as follows:
- First offense: Warning
- Second offense: Point penalty
- Subsequent offenses: Game penalty
In this US Open match, the initial warning for coaching was issued earlier in the contest. The second offense, which occurred during the high-pressure moments of the fourth set, directly led to the point penalty that bled into the fifth set. This history makes the fine less of a surprise and more of a recurring administrative footnote to his on-court struggles with the rule.
Ruusuvuori's Composed Victory
For Emil Ruusuvuori, the victory marked the biggest win of his career and his first-ever entry into the fourth round of a Grand Slam. The 24-year-old Finn remained remarkably composed throughout the theatrics, refusing to be drawn into the conflict and focusing on his own game plan. His powerful groundstrokes and relentless defense ultimately wore Tsitsipas down in the final set. In his on-court interview, Ruusuvuori diplomatically addressed the confrontation, saying, "It's part of the game. Emotions are high. We are both competitors. I just tried to stay calm and focus on playing tennis."
The Financial and Ranking Fallout
While the fine is a substantial sum, it is the missed opportunity that will likely sting Tsitsipas more. A deep run at the US Open was crucial for his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals later this year. The early exit sees him lose valuable points in the Race to Turin, putting his season-ending championship qualification in jeopardy. The financial penalty, though noteworthy, is a minor concern compared to the potential prize money and ranking points he forfeited with the third-round loss.
The tournament's official statement on the fine was brief and procedural, noting simply that "Stefanos Tsitsipas has been fined $7,500 for coaching and $5,000 for audible obscenity following his third-round match." All fines collected at Grand Slam tournaments are donated to the Grand Slam Development Fund, which supports tennis development projects worldwide.
A Pattern of Controversy
This incident adds to a growing list of on-court controversies for the talented Greek player. From lengthy bathroom breaks that have been criticized as gamesmanship to multiple coaching violations, Tsitsipas's career has often been punctuated by disputes over the sport's etiquette and rules. These episodes sometimes overshadow his brilliant shot-making and philosophical demeanor off the court, creating a complex public persona.
As the tennis world moves on from Flushing Meadows, the conversation around Tsitsipas will once again include questions about his ability to manage his emotions and adhere to the sport's regulations under pressure. For now, the record books will show a fine and a third-round loss, another chapter in the ongoing story of one of tennis's most gifted yet divisive stars. The hope for his team will be that this punishment serves as a catalyst for change, allowing his immense talent to finally and consistently shine through without external controversy.