Chinese tennis star Zhang Shuai retires in tears after Hungarian Grand Prix opponent appears to cheat
- Zhang and local Amarissa Toth were playing in Budapest when a row broke out over a disputed call
- Row erupted over ball being called out that had clearly landed in and Toth destroyed evidence before supervisor could be called
Zhang Shuai retired in tears from Hungarian Grand Prix on Tuesday after opponent Amarissa Toth erased a mark clearly showing a ball had landed in, as the Chinese player called for a supervisor.
A highly emotional Zhang had been left incensed after a crosscourt forehand that was fair, was called out by the line judge. The chair umpire took a look but then ruled the ball out.
Video of the incident clearly shows the ball landing in, and Zhang arguing heatedly with the umpire over the decision.
The match continued for one more point but the disagreement over the disputed call continued, before Toth walked up to the mark and used her shoes to erase it.
“Wait, wait, wait! Keep the mark,” Zhang yelled. “What are you doing? Why would you do that?”
Zhang looked visibly distressed during the changeover and a physio was called to check on her before the world number 28 opted to retire while trailing 6-5 in the opening set of their round of 32 match in Budapest.
The home crowd jeered Zhang’s retirement, while Toth shook hands with her before putting her arms up in celebration.
Zhang later took to Instagram to complain about the call and thanked those who supported her.
The Hungarian’s behaviour was swiftly condemned by fellow players on social media.
“Absolutely disgusting behaviour,” Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic wrote on Twitter. “Shuai is a better person than a lot of us for shaking the ref and that girl’s hand.”
Australian doubles player Ellen Perez said Toth had lost the respect of her peers.
“I’m actually shook by the level of disrespect from this girl... If I see this girl tomorrow I will tell her how disgusted I am.”
