A few days ago, Sascha Zverev criticized Stefanos Tsitsipas and Frances Tiafoe for excessive use of the towel. The comment came after the Greek expressed his negative point of view about using the towel racks instead of having the ball kids to help.
Zverev criticizes Tsitsipas and Tiafoe for the excessive use of towel
Why Anderson defended Tsitspas
After beating Dominic Thiem in his opener in London, the South African was asked about his opinion of using the towel with a high frequency, and he replied
Everybody is different
“Look, I mean, I think everybody’s different. I’m pretty sure he [Zverev] uses a wide grip with no wristband, which for me would be physically impossible. On a hot, humid day I’d be maybe able to play two points without the racquet flying out my hand.
Some guys are like that. They don’t sweat much for the forearms and the hands. I mean, just even using a wristband, using a wide grip for me would be almost impossible. That’s why the Tourna Grip has been so great for me because I have pretty sweaty hands on the best of days.
You need to adjust
“When you take it so often, it becomes part of your rhythm when you’re out there. I’d be the first to admit in today’s match; I’m not sweating as much. As tennis players, you get so used to your routines and your rituals, it is part of my routine and ritual right now.
If they changed the rituals right now, I’d have to adjust. It’s born out of that necessity because we play a lot of times in hot and humid conditions, so I have no choice, I have to do that.
Whether it’s a towel rack or whatever it might be, I’m going to have to use it, or as I did in the old days have a towel tucked in your shorts or whatever. I’d be finding a way.”
Kevin had a fantastic point, especially when talking about adjusting. In fact, at the end of the day, Tsitsipas won the Next Gen Finals using the towel racks. So, not much of a drama!
