Holger Rune defends Stefanos Tsitsipas following prize money allegations.
Holger Rune has responded to claims that Stefanos Tsitsipas only played for money during his ill-fated ATP Finals match against the Dane.
Tsitsipas was back on court on Tuesday afternoon for his second-round robin match against Rune, just 48 hours.
After losing in straight sets to Jannik Sinner in his first match of the season-ending tournament.
With 15 minutes remaining in the match and Rune leading 3-1, the Greek summoned the ATP trainer, and after a brief discussion.
He decided to retire, much to the chagrin of those inside Pala Alpitour, as many of the spectators booed.
Many tennis fans on social media were also dissatisfied with Tsitsipas' decision to play only three games, with some accusing him of doing so solely to earn prize money.
At the ATP Finals, players receive participant fees for each match, with the following money distribution: One match is worth $162,750, two matches are worth $244,125, and three matches are worth $325,500.
"Shouldn't Tsitsipas have canceled the match against Holger and given the place to the reserve Hurkacz?" one X user asked on the social media website.