Panic attack due to opponent's behavior, Chinese tennis star's 'farewell' with teary eyes
Hungarian Grand Prix first round match. China's Zhang Shuai and host Hungary's Amarisa Kiara Tuth were competing. The two then tied the game at 5–5 in a thrilling first set. At that very moment, Shuai hit a great crosscourt forehand shot that at first appeared to be on the line. But the line umpire ruled it out. The chair umpire then came down and checked the spot where the ball landed and upheld the out.
But Zhang could not accept the umpire's decision. The television replay also showed that the ball fell inside the line. An angry Zhang then demanded to speak to the tournament supervisor. Even in such a situation, Zhang did not immediately stop playing. However, Tooth gave birth to the controversial moment a little later. He came forward and wiped the ball with his foot. Seeing the opponent player doing this act, Zhang can be heard shouting at this time, 'Stop! keep the sign what are you doing Why did you do that?'
Zhang could not take this task of rival player naturally. Despite winning the controversial game, the Chinese tennis star lost the first set. Zhang, 34, suffered a panic attack after the first set and sought treatment from a physio. At this time, he was also seen crying and decided not to continue the game. Zhang's decision to step down was booed by the Hungarian audience. On the other side, Tuth then shook hands with Zhang and raised his hand to celebrate his 'victory'.
Zhang later explained his position on the matter on Instagram. He wrote, "All the efforts and exercises have gone in the wrong direction. Because, you hit the ball line, even after touching the ball line, it was decided as 'out'. Thanking those who were by his side in the incident, Zhang also wrote, 'Love you. Love to all the girls who have supported me and stood by me.'
After the incident, there was a storm of criticism on the social media about the behavior of the 20-year-old Tuth. Australian tennis star Ajla Tomaljanovic wrote on Twitter, "Absolutely bad behavior." (Zhang) Shuai is better than most of us as people. He also shook hands with the referee and the girl.
Australian doubles player Ellen Perez also protested the incident. He wrote, 'The level of disrespect shown by that girl stunned me. If I meet him tomorrow, I will tell him how upset I am with him.'