Croatia's Borna Coric turns into quick-change artist at U.S. Open
In one of the stranger matches of this year's U.S. Open, controversy erupted Tuesday afternoon over clothing and commentary.
In the second set of the men's quarterfinal between Borna Coric of Croatia and Alexander Zverev of Germany, play was stopped twice during the second set and another time during the third to allow Coric time to change clothes.
According to USTA rules, players are only allowed to change during set breaks unless there is a "clothing malfunction." However, despite Zverev's protests, the chair umpire allowed Coric to leave the court for a wardrobe switch each time.
Temperatures at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York were warm (low 80s, about 50 percent humidity) but not overbearing.
In the third set, as Coric again changed clothes, Zerev became annoyed by ESPN broadcaster Brad Gilbert, who was sitting courtside at Arthur Ashe Stadium to provide analysis and could be heard throughout the empty stadium with no fans in the stands.
“You’re talking too loud, man,” Zverev said as he was about to serve.
“Oh, sorry,” Gilbert replied.
“I can hear every single word you’re saying,” Zverev said.
It probably didn't help that Gilbert had just mentioned Zverev’s nine double faults in the match.
Coric won the first set, but Zverev put aside the distractions to win the match and move on to the semifinals with a 1-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (1), 6-3 victory.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow USA TODAY Sports NOW reporter Steve Gardner on Twitter @SteveAGardner
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wardrobe change, loud announcer create controversy — U.S. Open
