Injured player...replaces injured player? Taylor Fritz whistled and jeered in playing ATP Finals exhibition injured after Tsitsipas withdrawal
ATP
The ATP Finals went from the bizarre to the baffling as Stefanos Tsitsipas took to the court seemingly just to collect his money for playing after withdrawing injured after 17 minutes against Holger Rune for another injured player to leave the crowd short-changed in Turin.
Hubert Hurkacz and Taylor Fritz were the alternates at the ATP Finals in Turin, this was despite the latter having an abdomen injury so it was bizarre that he travelled in the first place, but collects money for doing so. While Hurkacz now takes Tsitsipas' spot in the remainder of the group stage.
They took to the court to have an exhibition set and fans booed Fritz as he could barely serve due to he effects of his injury. He was whistled and jeered and was able to hold serve at 3-1 and he went on to lose it 6-3.
"I want to say, big props to Taylor for getting out here. And I think that needs to be highlighted so well done for him to at least give this crowd an extra 40 minutes of tennis. But it has to be said, only in tennis would an injured player get subbed in by an injured player," remarked commentator, Mark Petchey.
Others on social media also called it a 'farce' and that they should both be taking a break and not being made to play. Many also remarked that fans paid for a match instead got a few games and an exhibition set including an injured player.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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