Denis Shapovalov has had to literally 'hold on' to beat Italian Jannik Sinner in a thrilling Australian Open win, after he was denied a bathroom break before the deciding fifth set.
"What happens if I go?" Canadian Shapovalov asked German umpire Nico Helwerth at Margaret Court Arena. "Do I get a fine? I don't care!
"What do you mean I can't go? Are you going to disqualify me? I have to pee!
"I'm going to piss my pants! I'm going to piss in a bottle!
"You guys are not allowing players to piss? I don't understand this rule!"
Players are allowed two bathroom breaks per five-set match at the tournament, with the breaks permitted only between sets.
Shapovalov, the 11th seed, has told reporters he was "blowing off steam".
"Also I do think it's a dumb rule, especially for me," he says. "I've got the smallest bladder ever.
"I've literally got to take a piss every set, so it's difficult when you're on the court for so long.
"Before the match, I'm trying to hydrate as much as possible. Of course, it wasn't the umpire's fault.
"I think we should be able to take more breaks and go to the washroom because we... could be on the court for more than 3-4 hours."
Shapovalov needed 3h 55m to overcome his rival 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 in the early hours of Tuesday morning and next meets Australian Bernard Tomic for a place in the third round.
Reuters
