Tsitsipas ends losing streak in Madrid but arguments and outbursts overshadow win

The former world No 3 has endured a difficult spell on the ATP Tour, sliding to No 80 in the rankings after losing four of his past five opening matches heading into the tournament in Madrid.

However, he finally broke the drought on Thursday, edging past lucky loser Patrick Kypson 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-4) to set up a second-round meeting with eighth seed Alexander Bublik.

The match against world No 90 Kypson was not without controversy, with Tsitsipas receiving multiple code violations for communicating with his coach. He was eventually handed a point penalty in the third set by chair umpire Marijana Veljovic, with the American serving at 2-2, 15-0.

The official announced: "Code violation, coaching, point penalty, Mr. Tsitsipas. 30-0."

She then explained to the Greek: "If he talks to you in between the points from the beginning until the end."

But Tsitsipas interrupted: "Does it bother my opponent? As far as I know, coaching is allowed."

Veljovic replied: "Yes, discreet. Stefanos, if talks to you when you're on this side, when you're on that side â- If he talks to you in the whole duration between the two points, that's just way too much."

The Greek hit back: "Discreet? Is he bothering my opponent?"

Veljovic: "Not at this moment, but it's against the rule."

Tsitsipas: "You said not to talk when I'm on the other side of the court, which I'm doing. I'm actually doing. So why, when I'm on my side, it's also not allowed?"

Veljovic: "It's not allowed as much as he does it."

Tsitsipas: "You're just going to take a point like this from me because of some stupidity?"

Veljovic: "I have to. Didn't I tell you? I have to do something about it."

But his exchange with the umpire and his point penalty resulted in him losing his cool with his coach and father as he was overheard shouting insults in Greek at Apostolos, with whom he has had a difficult relationship, on several occasions.

Some of those include 'Bastard, you piece of s***', 'Go f*** yourself', 'imbecile' and 'stupid'.

Tsitsipas eventually won the match in two hours and 41 minutes and admitted it was a much-needed victory.

"I really needed that win," he stated. "It gives me confidence. I've been trying a lot to improve different areas of my game, but when you're not getting wins, it's hard to build trust and belief in yourself."

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