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“How Is That Allowed?” – Andy Murray’s Brother & Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Question Toilet Break Rules after Carlos Alcaraz Loss in Shanghai

Zizou Bergs, the 27-year-old Belgian rising star ranked 39th in the world, delivered a stunning upset over former World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets (7-5, 7-6) at the 2026 Shanghai Masters.

Bergs’ victory was overshadowed by controversy after he took a nine-minute toilet break between sets, far exceeding the ATP’s three-minute limit (with an additional two minutes allowed for clothing changes). The lengthy pause prompted sharp criticism from tennis figures, including Andy Murray’s brother Jamie Murray and Brad Gilbert, Coco Gauff’s former coach, who questioned the ATP’s enforcement of break rules.

Gilbert suggested stricter penalties, while Jamie Murray called the delay ‘unacceptable,’ noting the short distance between the court and changing rooms. Bergs, who faced Djokovic in Shanghai the prior year, later admitted his tendency to over-respect elite opponents may have hindered his performance.

His next challenge is a fourth-round match against Tommy Paul, while Alcaraz prepares for the upcoming Paris Masters.

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