Lacoste CEO rips Stefanos Tsitsipas for putting Novak Djokovic in tricky spot

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Lacoste CEO Guibert Thierry ripped Stefanos Tsitsipas for putting Novak Djokovic in an uncomfortable spot at the ATP Finals and applauded Jannik Sinner for his sporting attitude. On Tuesday, Tsitsipas retired against Holger Rune just three games into their match due to a back injury - as per the rules, the Dane was given a straight-set win.

But the worst thing about Tsitsipas' retirement was that it created a very complicated situation in potential semifinal scenarios. On Thursday, Djokovic beat Hubert Hurkacz in three sets to improve to 2-1 in his group. Rune, who lost to Djokovic on the opening day, was also 1-1 but he had a chance to reach the semifinal by beating Jannik Sinner.

Sinner, who was 2-0 and already had a semifinal ticket booked, beat Rune three sets and Lacoste ambassador Djokovic progressed into the semis. "Hats off to @janniksin for his win tonight. Despite the unfair behaviour of Tsitsipas, he showed to everyone why he is a future champ and an authentic guy," Lacoste CEO Thierry wrote on X.

Hats off to @janniksin for his win tonight. Despite the unfair behaviour of Tsitsipas, he showed to everyone why he is a future champ and an authentic guy.#ATPFinals — guibert thierry (@tguibert) November 16, 2023

Lacoste CEO rips Tsitsipas, applauds Sinner for saving Djokovic

Going into the Sinner and Rune match, many wondered if the Italian would "tank" the match or play with full intensity.

It didn't take long for fans to get the answer as Sinner started the match by winning the first set with a 6-2 scoreline. Rune managed to work his way back into the match but Sinner still clinched a 6-2 5-7 6-4 win. “It was important for me to reset after this good win against Novak, starting from zero again, being ready for a tough fight against Holger.

I never won against him. It’s nice that I won at least once against him. He’s an incredible player, serving really good. I started off really well. From the second set he served better. It was obviously much, much tougher to break him. I think it was a good win, positive win. Let’s see what’s coming on Saturday,” Sinner said.