Disputed line call creates uproar in Budapest after player erases ball mark with foot
Zhang Shuai quits match after crowd boos her over objection
Chinese tennis player Zhang Shuai quit a match after her opponent rubbed out a ball mark with her foot following a disputed line call at the Budapest Grand Prix.
The second-seeded Zhang retired from the match while trailing 6-5 in the first set against Hungarian opponent Amarissa Toth at the clay-court tournament on Tuesday.
The dispute related to a forehand from Zhang that appeared to be in but was called out. Zhang argued the decision but it stood and the match continued briefly before the disagreement about the line call began again.
As Zhang repeated her protests, Toth walked over to the ball mark and rubbed it out with her foot.
I went to check the controversial point between Shuai Zhang and Kiara Toth and I really don't have words for how bad the umpire was for this mark. <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> it's really time you do something and investigate these, they can't make such big mistakes at this level. This is pure robbery <a href="https://t.co/2jr6MY3tDU">pic.twitter.com/2jr6MY3tDU</a>
—@popalorena"Wait, wait, wait! Keep the mark," Zhang shouted in response. "What are you doing? Why would you do that?"
Zhang sat crying and shaking her head on her chair for a few moments at the side of the court before quitting.
She shook hands with the main umpire and Toth before appearing to point her fingers at the crowd, which had booed and jeered her for disputing the call.
All efforts on practice was wrong , because when you wanted hitting closer to the line , even touched the line still OUT …..<br><br>I love you guys and all girls who supporting me and standing my side <a href="https://t.co/ZZt28KdbRE">pic.twitter.com/ZZt28KdbRE</a>
—@zhangshuai121