Denied Of Toilet Break, Andy Murray Labels Australian Open Timings As ‘Disrespectful’

Andy Murray said he respected the rules but objected to having to play until 3 or 4 a.m. and that it was forbidden to use the restroom.

After an incredible five-set comeback victory in the second round at the Australian Open that went far into the customary Grand Slam midnight madness, Andy Murray was fatigued but still showed his anger at tennis officials.

After staging an incredible comeback to defeat local favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis by scores of 4-6 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 7-5, Murray raged at tennis officials, calling them “disrespectful,” as fans walked home for a few hours of sleep or went straight to work.

“It’s disrespectful to you, disrespectful to the ball children, disrespectful to the players and we are not allowed to go to the toilet.”

“Ridiculous!”

John McEnroe urged administrators to put regulations in place to ensure it never happens again.

“I am stunned in disbelief that they were still playing at that hour,” McEnroe said. “For starters, it was insane that matches at that level are played from 4 to 4:30 a.m in the morning.”

Craig Tiley denied any modifications

There is currently no need to alter the schedule, says Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open tournament.

“There are so many variables… you don’t often get those conditions in such a short period of time so we’ve had three late nights with scheduling trying to catch up with matches,” Tiley said.

McEnroe claims the timing is odd

McEnroe pointed out that while events like the World Cup, Super Bowl, or NBA Finals do not take place at such unusual hours, games in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, which do not involve shootouts, have been decided in the wee hours.

McEnroe added that Murray, 35, will be at a competitive disadvantage as he attempts to recover for his third-round match against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who also needed five sets to defeat American Brandon Holt. According to him, his late finish and the energy he expended during the five hours and forty-five-minute struggle, will hinder Murray’s ability to compete.

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