Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka was at the centre of a bizarre blow-up during the first round of the French Open.
The 2015 winner appeared to not be too happy about the temperature of his water, getting visibility upset as he complained to the chair umpire.
Whether it was because of his water or not, the Swiss player seemed rusty in his four-set loss to local wildcard Corentin Moutet in the clay tournament..
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The 37-year-old is on the mend from a foot injury, losing the matchup 2-6 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 6-3.
While Moutet impressed in his victory, it was Wawrinka’s frustrated quibble with the umpire that caught everyone’s attention.
While he was 5-2 down in the third set, it seemed his anger got the better of him.
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He seethed to the umpire: “It is not normal at a grand slam.
“Is that normal? Do you think it is normal? So you call someone. It has been three changeovers, I asked you for some water that is not freaking freezing.
“Because it is not good. You are at the French Open and you cannot get normal water. You think it is normal?”
Rather ironically, Wawrinka became seriously heated – unlike his water.
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Eurosport commentator Simon Reed believed the player was venting his frustrations towards the wrong person.
Reed said: “No, it is not his problem - that is the thing Stan.
"Sorry about the language, but maybe he is looking for a fight."
Commentators online also seemed perplexed by the blow-up.
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The Tennis Podcast tweeted: “Stan Wawrinka is complaining that the water is too cold, which is a new one (for) me.”
Meanwhile, tennis author Mark Malinowski tweeted: “Whining about water temperature is absurd, especially by a great champion like Wawrinka. He’s gotta be tougher or just bring his own drink.”
While others seemed to actually agree with Wawrinka’s actions.
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One Twitter user said: “He’s right. It’s not a diva request, & all tournaments - let alone slams - should offer room temp water. Djokovic says he *never* drinks ice water because it upsets your body’s homeostasis & wastes energy to metabolise, so let’s see if they sort it out before his match.”
While the freezing cold water seemed to throw Wawrinka, the former Grand Slam champ admitted that he wasn’t at the top of his game.
Following the match, he said: “Unfortunately this is the reality of how I play at the moment.
"I need training, a lot of work. I am playing well but not at the level for matches like that.
"This is the reality unfortunately of where I am.
"The frustration does not come from a comparison of my past level but because I know I could have done more and that some things did not go well."
Featured Image Credit: Channel 9.
