Watch as Muller sprints off court after breaking serve as Zverev left frustrated
Video credit: TNT Sports
Alexandre Muller was at the centre of toilet controversy during his Australian Open second-round match against Alexander Zverev after receiving a “lenient” decision.
In a wild encounter which saw huge momentum swings between both players, Muller returned to level footing when he put the third set back on serve by breaking Zverev for 3-2.
As he celebrated Zverev sending a routine backhand wide, Muller continued his run straight down the tunnel for a bathroom break – as he left the court, shouting “come on” and throwing his arms in the air to rile up the John Cain Arena.
“He must have had this planned because he was straight off the court while celebrating,” commentator Colin Fleming said. “Going to be the quickest of toilet breaks, I think. I assume he’s coming back.”
It quickly became apparent that by temporarily leaving the court, Muller would not be adhering to the time regulations.
The serving clock had already ticked to zero by the time he was at the net, making his way back onto his side of the court to serve.
“He’s got to get back in a hurry,” co-commentator Ryan Harrison said. “Muller went off for a quick bathroom break. They called time already.
Watch as Zverev wins opening set against Muller after some ‘awkward moments’
Video credit: TNT Sports
“I’m not sure how much time he has to play now – the serve clock is already on. He might be getting a warning here in a second.”
Zverev, meanwhile, appeared frustrated at the delay – as chair umpire John Blom was called into question for his perceived leniency in not giving Muller a time violation.
“Maybe [Blom is] just giving him some extra time,” Fleming said. “I think possibly recognising the effort he made, sprinting off the court to the toilet, but he’s been a bit lenient here. He’s got away with one.
“I can only assume with the way he sprinted off the court that nature had called, and he wasn’t able to continue. When you have the momentum, you’ve just broken back, maybe not the ideal time to leave the court, maybe lose a bit of focus.”
Harrison, meanwhile, said: “I thought surely he’d get a time violation. I can’t believe he didn’t get one there.
“A lot of times people go off court after playing a poor set, need a bit of a break to settle down, stop the momentum. He did it to himself there.”
Indeed, the break did seem to halt the momentum of Muller, who immediately fell a break behind after the restart – with Zverev proceeding to claim the set for a 2-1 lead – following a lengthy delay due to an unexpected downpour in Melbourne.
In similar scenes, Luciano Darderi sprinted off court following his first-round victory over Cristian Garin on Tuesday.
Despite nursing a slight Achilles issue, Zverev came through the fourth set to set up a third-round meeting with Cameron Norrie.
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