The WTA is under fire after China’s Zhang Shuai retired from her Budapest Grand Prix match in tears after having a panic attack on the court. During her round of 32 match on Tuesday against local Amarissa Toth, Shaui was left visibly shaken after poor umpiring and unsportsmanlike conduct by her opponent, who erased a ball mark despite the number two seed’s insistence on not doing so following a disputed line call.
At 6-5, Zhang hit a crosscourt forehand that appeared to land on the line but was called out by the line judge. The chair umpire then stepped down to take a look at the mark and confirmed the ball had landed outside the line.
Zhang was incensed by the call and asked to speak with the tournament supervisor.
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Her opponent then starting to make fun of her along with the crowd. Toth was seen giggling while looking while someone heckled Zhang from the crowd.
Zhang was still in disaggrement with the umpire regarding the call. After just one point, 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? asking why Toth decided to erase the mark.
Zhang looked visibly distressed, failing to cope with the bad call, the unsportsmanlike conduct of her opponent, and the childish behaviour of the crowd. During the changeover, a physio was called to check on her before the world number 28 opted to retire.
The home crowd jeered Zhang’s retirement, while Toth shook hands with her before putting her arms up in celebration.
Several journalists, fan and fellow players came to the support of Zhang while criticising the ‘disgusting’ behaviour of Toth.
Zhang Shuai later took to Twitter to criticise the poor call made by the umpire and thanked those who supported her.
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