STEFANOS TSITSIPAS’ dad was slammed for his “disrespectful” behaviour following Novak Djokovic’s historic Australian Open win.
The Serbian superstar, 35, moved level with Rafael Nadal on a record men’s singles tally of 22 Grand Slams.
ReutersApostolos Tsitsipas, bottom left, caused a stir on social media[/caption]
His son Stefanos lost to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open finalGetty
Djokovic, who was deported from Australia a year ago, stormed to a straight-sets final win over Tsitsipas on Rod Laver Arena.
He won 6-3 7-6 7-6 in just shy of three hours on court and then got his hands on the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for a tenth time.
But Apostolos Tsitsipas – world No3 Stefanos’ father and coach – refused to stand up for the presentation ceremony as is the usual custom.
First-time finalist Tsitsipas and Djokovic both paid tribute to the Greek’s team – which now includes former tennis ace Mark Philippoussis.
However, with the rest of the player box on their feet, albeit looking glum and with Margot Robbie absent, Apostolos remained grumpily slumped in his seat.
And furious fans piled in on Tsitsipas Sr on social media – just days after Djokovic’s dad Srjdan posed for photos with pro-Vladimir Putin supporters.
One wrote: “Tsitsipas’ dad not standing up or even clapping for his son, who had just come 2nd in the Australian Open is so disgusting.
“Even during his speech, he didn’t do anything. The least you could do is show some respect. Win or lose, your son’s achievements have been momentous.”
Another said: “I don’t like Tsitsipas’ dad sitting down during his son’s speech. Of course he’s disappointed and all that, but bit disrespectful in my opinion.”
A third added: “Wow. Apostolos Tsitsipas not standing and applauding his own son. So disappointing to see.”
And a final user commented: “Stand up for your son, Papa Tsitsipas. He made it to the grand final. Stand up. Get up.
“Djokovic was complimenting Tsitsipas’ family. And Tsitsipas’ dad still wouldn’t stand. It’s not on. It’s just not tennis.”
.Tsitsipas Sr refused to stand during the on-court ceremonies[/caption] Read More