Opelka defends Tsitsipas' extended bathroom breaks - "We're hydrating a lot, we have to use the bathroom"

Although many have disapproved of Stefanos Tsitsipas' extended bathroom breaks during matches, Reilly Opelka is one of the few who has openly come to the Greek star's defense.

Tsitsipas was heavily criticized for taking an eight-minute bathroom break in his first round US Open match against Andy Murray, with the break occurring as Murray was starting to build momentum and make a comeback. However, Opelka believes the whole incident was blown out of proportion, with the media trying to cash in on the situation.

“Yeah, I think it’s ridiculous. Like, I understand it’s getting press because tennis is lame and tennis media sucks and they’re terrible," said Opelka. "But I think, Stefanos Tsitsipas – whatever.”

The American went on to elaborate about the physicality of the sport, stating that the humidity and heat in New York led to players' need to hydrate often.

"It’s hot and humid, and for the media, the press that have never stepped foot an a tennis court in their life, have never been in the environment – couldn’t last 30 minutes out in this humidity, in this heat," added Opelka. “It’s physical, our sport is. My shoes are dripping, they’re leaking sweat. To change or to go after, you know, two sets – we’re drinking, we’re hydrating a lot, we have to use the bathroom.

“To change my socks, shoes, my inserts in my shoes, shorts, shirt, everything, the whole nine yards, hat – it takes five, six minutes. Then, by the time I walk to and from the court."

Opelka also gave his thoughts on the possibility of Tsitsipas receiving coaching during his bathroom breaks, as the Greek was accused of this tactic by Alexander Zverev during their semifinal in Cincinnati two weeks ago.

"You know, I don’t know Tsitsipas, I don’t know his situation. I doubt he’s getting coached. I highly doubt it," admitted Opelka. "Today, you know, I couldn’t even take my bag in to change. I’m like – ‘Guys, my clothes and shoes are in here. You can come stand in here with me if you want.’

“I don’t like being coached on court, that stance, I don’t think we should have on-court coaching at all, but I strictly go to change because it’s hot and it’s humid. If people don’t understand that, then clearly they’ve never spent a day in the life of a professional athlete or come close to it.”