"Ridiculous" - Unappetizing food on offer at Paris Masters called out by US Open doubles champ Max Purcell
The organizers of the 2024 Paris Masters came under fire from reigning US Open doubles champ Max Purcell for serving up what he thought was very unappetizing food. The Aussie shared a photo of a meal he was offered and called out the tournament for giving 'ridiculous' options to players.
Purcell is in action in the doubles category at the Masters 1000 event, partnering with compatriot Jordan Thompson. Seeded No. 4 at the event, the Aussie pair received a bye in their opener and will face off against Francisco Cerunodolo/Tomas Martin Etcheverry or defending champions Santiago Gonzalez/Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the second round.
Currently practicing in Bercy ahead of his opener, Purcell didn't appear pleased with the culinary choices on site and took to Instagram to express his thoughts. The 26-year-old was particularly confused by the burger patties he was served, pointing out that they were just microwaved before being put on his plate.
"How good's a burger patty that clearly hasn't seen anything but the inside of a microwave. Ridic[ulous] Paris Masters 1000. So pumped," Purcell wrote.
Max Purcell had previously called out the Citi Open earlier this year
Max Purcell has developed quite a reputation on tour for his honest updates about the facilities on offer to players around the world. Earlier this year, it was the Citi Open in Washington DC that invoked the Aussie's wrath.
Purcell was unhappy with how hot the players' longue was maintained during the event and called out the tournament for putting health of his ATP colleagues in jeopardy.
"DC players lounge hotter than balls. Unreal conditions for players getting ready to battle it out in the heat," Purcell shared on Instagram.
On the tennis side of things, 2024 has been a rather good year for the 26-year-old. The Aussie joined Jordan Thompson, his partner at the Paris Masters, to win the US Open, his second doubles Grand Slam title. For Thompson, meanwhile, it marked his first Major doubles title.
Purcell and Thompson finished runners-up at Wimbledon before that. On the Masters 1000 level, though, it has been a disappointing year so far for Purcell, who's yet to reach a quarterfinal.
In singles, Max Purcell reached the first ATP final of his career at Eastbourne in June but fell in the summit clash to Taylor Fritz. Currently, he's ranked World No. 94 in singles but No. 10 in doubles.