Shoegate 2019 ATP-style has come to the Citi Open. Never mind the match, which was a rather routine 7-5 6-0 victory for Stefanos Tsitsipas over Benoit Paire, this contest was all about the shoes.
Paire took offense to Tsitsipas’ decision to change his shoes at a crucial point in the second set (Tsitsipas was leading 2-0, deuce), saying that the Greek had done it in all three of his matches at this year’s Citi Open.
Paire is correct, but there are reasons for this. Watch the scene as it unfolded below.
After Tsitsipas returned with a new shoe, he won the next point at which time Paire walked off the court in protest. The Frenchman took his shoe off and threw it to the ground, as the umpire threatened to dock him.
Tsitsipas would later tell reporters that he has a recurring problem with his left shoe where his footwork during intense moments will cause the top lace to break. When this happens he is forced to change the shoe because it becomes loose at the top.
“I’m not doing it on purpose,” Tsitsipas said. “Some people think that I’m doing it on purpose. It always happens in crucial moments like this when I’m really trying hard.”
He added: “It’s very irritating for me to play with a shoe that’s not tight. I mean, it can fall off at any time during the rally.”
Tsitsipas later admitted that he found Paire’s outburst funny. The pair shared a nice embrace at the net after the match. Apparently all is fine.
“I didn’t know whhether I have to laugh or keep a serious face,” Tsitsipas said. “It was hilarious.”