Want to know how to get into Stefanos Tsitsipas’ head during a tennis match?
Make bee noises.
That worked Wednesday, as the world’s No. 4 ranked player confronted a fan for making bee noises during his match against Ben Shelton at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
Tsitsipas paused his serve several times to wave his racket at the imaginary insect before finally realizing the noise was coming from someone sitting behind him. He approached umpire Nacho Forcadell to complain.
“There’s a person imitating a bee behind me,” Tsitsipas said. “It’s a buzz right before I serve. Do you think that’s OK?”
The umpire promised to take care of it. Tsitsipas then walked over to the seats to find the fan. He had no problem — another fan pointed out the woman.
Tsitsipas confronted the fan, and they had a short conversation before he returned to the umpire.
“It’s never happened in my career,” Tsitsipas said. “I know they’re supporting [Shelton].
“They’re imitating a bee, they’re buzzing, ‘Bzzzzz,” Tsitsipas mimicked.
“I want her out,” Tsitsipas concluded. “She needs to go.”
The umpire warned the fan, who apologized. She was allowed to remain at the match.
The 25-year-old Greek star ultimately kept his focus on the court, defeating Shelton 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) to advance to the round of 16.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.