BBC Commentator Slams Wimbledon Star for Abusing Rule
Frances Tiafoe is under fire after being accused of abusing the ATP’s bathroom break rule. This occurred during his Wimbledon loss to Britain’s Cameron Norrie in the second round.
Norrie beat the American in four sets — 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5 — in an intense three-hour battle. But it was Tiafoe’s extended break between the third and fourth sets that drew the ire of BBC commentators Andrew Castle and John Lloyd.
Tiafoe’s Eight-Minute Delay Raises Eyebrows
After falling behind two sets to one, Tiafoe left the court for a bathroom break, which ballooned to nearly eight minutes. ATP rules state that in best-of-five matches, players are allowed two bathroom breaks, each lasting three minutes, plus two extra minutes for a clothing change.
But instead of heading straight off, Tiafoe lingered courtside. Searching for a fresh shirt and shoes, before being escorted off by officials. That delay was enough for Lloyd to speak up on-air.
“You can’t wait that long before going off. If you have to go off, you go off straightaway. I think this is unfair.”
Castle chimed in as well, calling the break “very questionable,” especially as Tiafoe seemed more focused on changing gear than using the restroom.
Read More: Wimbledon Upset: World’s Richest WTA Player Crashes Out
Critics Say ATP Rules Are Being Exploited
Lloyd, a former Australian Open finalist, criticized how players use strategic breaks when trailing:
“Let’s put it this way, he wouldn’t have taken that long if he was ahead.”
He also pointed to the recent French Open final, which lasted over five hours without a single bathroom break. This further highlights what he felt was a clear abuse of the system.
Despite the disruption, Norrie kept his composure and secured the fourth set 7-5, advancing to the third round.
Norrie Responds with Class After Victory
After the match, Norrie praised the atmosphere and spoke about staying focused under pressure:
“I just walked out and smiled as much as I could. And then you have to go out to battle.”
The Brit will now face Jiri Lehecka or Mattia Bellucci in the third round as he aims for a deep run at Wimbledon.
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