Andy Murray was left fuming when he was not given the chance to use the toilet during the middle of his 5-set marathon match against Thanasi Kokkinakis in the Australian Open.
Former world No. 1 battled to come back from a deficit of two sets against Kokkinakis to force a decisive fifth set to decide his the win.
In the time in the final frame Murray wanted to go to the bathroom, but was instructed that the chair umpire Murray wasn’t permitted to go there because he had already been in the game.
“Do you have a clue? I’m a good sport and respect the rules. It’s a joke. is a joke, and you are aware of it,” the 35-year-old said to the umpire.
“It’s such a shame that we’re in the stadium until at four in the morning, but we’re not permitted take a pee.
“It’s rude to you, disrespectful to the ball kids, and it’s disrespectful to the players , and we’re not allowed to the bathroom. It’s ridiculous.”
2003 US Open winner Andy Roddick shared Murray’s views Andy Roddick also expressed his displeasure the following on Twitter: “Correct. This is so stupid.”
It’s not the first time in this grand slam , that rules on players using the bathroom are in the news following the time Novak Djokovic appeared to take the matter by himself to make a quick bathroom break during his win in the first round.
The Serbian was asked to use the toilet five minutes into his game with Roberto Carballes Baena on Tuesday however, the umpire appeared to have no idea of Djokovic and was heard to say “hello” three times to catch her attention. Djokovic stated: “I’m going to the toilet.”
The 21-time grand Slam winner was ejected from the court and the umpire calling “Novak” after him. While the umpire was told he had 30 seconds to come back, Djokovic was back on court before the timer expired after which he took the match comfortably.
Afterward, Djokovic denied that he was in violation of the umpire’s instructions while he was on the bathroom.
“So she said to me (you did not capture it with cameras) I had to get up quickly. After I had almost left the courtroom, she phoned me (I didn’t understand) and the reason was to inform me that the toilet was located on the opposite end of court.” Djokovic wrote on Instagram.
“I discovered one in the area I also went, and I needed to get there quickly due to the time. I didn’t “flirt” with her nor the rules. I was given permission by her and instructed me to”be quick.”
The rage or inability to get to the toilet did not hinder Murray however in the final set, he won the world’s most prestigious victory, which was five and a half hours total , the longest game of Murray’s legendary career.
The match, which ran through to 4 a.m. on the streets of Melbourne was yet another confirmation of the qualities we’ve come across Murray for: determination perseverance, determination and the “never give up” mindset.
Murray will play No. 24 , seeded Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round.
