Disbelief. © Screenshot

“Disgusting behavior”: tennis scandal in Budapest

There was a major scandal in the tennis scene on Tuesday. As a result of questionable decisions, a top player had to retire due to a panic attack.

July 19, 2023

From: leo

In no other sport are athletes under as much pressure as in tennis. Week after week, the professionals travel around the globe to earn their own living. Stopping by at home and relaxing is hardly possible, especially for players from Asia and Australia. Shuai Zhang from China, who is currently ranked 45th in the world and has won two Grand Slam doubles titles in her career, has not returned to her homeland for three years. She tearfully revealed at the French Open that she was at odds with the Chinese Tennis Association. She said she felt empty and under a lot of pressure. The 34-year-old reiterated at Wimbledon that her career is nearing its end.

On her farewell tour, Zhang took part in the WTA 250 tournament in Budapest this week. There was a scandal in the first round against the Hungarian Amarissa Toth (WTA 548). When the score was 5:5 and 30:30, the Chinese player played a ball that was given out but still scratched the line. The chair referee checked the print - and confirmed the linesman's decision. Probably because she was examining the wrong ball. In disbelief, Zhang began arguing with the referee.

The audience got involved and whistled at the Chinese woman, who finally came to terms with the decision. Zhang fended off the breakball that followed - but then the unbelievable happened. Although the world ranking is 45. After warning Toth several times that she shouldn't delete the trademark, the 20-year-old ran over the print - an absurdity.

Dead in criticism

Zhang then conceded the break, brought the physiotherapist onto the court, but had to give up the match due to a panic attack. Despite her anger, she shook hands with the referee and her opponent. Just a few moments after the handshake, the latter stretched her arms into the air and let the audience celebrate her. The reactions to the cause are clear.

Shuai Zhang is an established player. © AFP / GLYN KIRK

“Disgusting behavior,” commented last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic: “Shuai is a better person than many of us because she shook hands with the referee and the opponent. But we're talking about Shuai, of course she did it." Former top 20 player Daria Saville wrote: "Toth 'won' the point and the match, but ruined her reputation." Also top French player Alize Cornet and Caroline Garcia condemned the Hungarian's behavior. Iga Swiatek's well-known psychologist, Daria Abramovicz, wrote: "This is so sad and unacceptable." It is unclear whether Toth and the chair umpire will now have to face consequences. The only thing that is certain is that they didn't make any friends in the tennis scene.