Stefanos Tsitsipas’s explosive statements and Francisco Cerundolo’s sharp response

The world of tennis is witnessing a quiet controversy after Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted that he will not compete in South American tournaments because the tournaments offer lower appearance fees. In response to this statement, Argentine player Francisco Cerundolo was quick to respond.

Over the course of his career, Tsitsipas has achieved notable success on clay courts. However, the Greek star usually prioritizes the hard court tournaments in the Middle East during February, rather than opting to compete in the ‘golden trapeze’ held on clay courts in Buenos Aires, Chile and Rio in the same month. Recently, Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed the reasoning behind this decision, telling Clay Tennis:

“South America has never offered me a deal good enough to seriously consider it. The Middle East has always been much better in terms of appearance fees. The European swing has also offered strong financial incentives. That makes a difference. When the financial gap is big, you have no choice but to stick with what supports your career.”

In response, Argentine tennis star and world number 19 Francisco Cerundolo addressed Tsitsipas’ comments during a press conference at the Chile Open, saying,

“If they don’t want to come here, don’t come. Those who want to play on clay, who want to feel South America and discover the cities, or play a different kind of tennis, will come. Those who don’t want to come will go to the Middle East or to Acapulco.”

For his part, Cerundolo currently competes in Golden Swing. The 27-year-old won the Argentine Open, was eliminated in the round of 17 in Rio, and is now set to play the semi-finals of the Chile Open.

Stefanos Tsitsipas praises ‘passion’ in South America despite financial complaints

While a lack of financial gain prevented Stefanos Tsitsipas from competing in the Golden Swing, the Greek star paid tribute to the passion of South American tennis fans. He also admitted his desire to visit South America, telling Clay Tennis:

“There is a passion for South America that I put aside sometimes, but when the financial gap is so big, you have no choice but to move forward and support your career. I would love to play there. It has always been a dream of mine to visit South America and I have heard great things about it.”

On the tennis front, Stefanos Tsitsipas was last seen playing at the Dubai Open. He was knocked out in the opening round of the ATP 500 after falling to Ugo Humbert.