Assault at China Open following hometown player’s defeat causes outrage on social media
- Assault occurs after Chinese player Zhang Shuai is eliminated in Beijing
- Contrasting reports about why the incident occurred
The footage of the assault came to light on social media following the match between hometown favourite Zhang Shuai and Germany’s Angelique Kerber. The match was won 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 by the three-time grand slam champion Kerber.
In a shocking twist, it was reported by witnesses that the culprit was a member of Zhang’s team.
The assault occurred in the player’s box area on Diamond Court at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing.
A man in a blue shirt, reported to be the brother of Zhang’s trainer, was filmed punching and kicking another man in two short videos that have circulated on Twitter.
Witnesses claimed the man who was assaulted was cheering loudly for Kerber throughout the match and celebrated loudly in front of Zhang’s family at the end of the match.