Shuai Zhang34 years old and world number 45, became the victim in WTA Budapest (Hungary) of one of the greatest humiliations ever experienced on the tennis court, to the point where the Chinese player chose to retire, in tears and in the grip of an anxiety attack, when he lost 6-5 in the first set against local tennis. player Amarissa Tothwhose unsporting behavior caused widespread outrage and embarrassment.
Zhang, reigning women’s doubles semifinalist in Wimbledonrecently explained that he suffers from depression, which further complicates his sporting and personal situation: he has not won an individual match since last January and he has not set foot in his country for years due to problems in Federation of China.
“After my grandparents passed away, I started thinking about the meaning of life. I am 34 years old and I have played tennis for 29 years. I tried my best, but everything there is a limit. I feel very tired, especially. mentally. I miss Chinese food in China,” he said a few weeks ago.
In this difficult context, Shuai lived a regrettable episode in his 1st round match of the WTA in Budapest against Toth, 20 years old and world number 548, looking for his first victory in a WTA big draw thanks to an invitation from in the organization.
At 5-5, Zhang hit a forehand cross that looked good, but the lineswoman called it. At the request of the Chinese, the seat manager went down to check the mark and confirmed it outside even though the boat was clearly visible on television holding the line. Not believing the referee’s decision, Zhang asked the tournament supervisor for help, but Shuai still lost the point.
The match continued for another point, but Zhang kept thinking about the situation and there was a moment when his rival, Toth, approached the mark in question and erased it with his shoe despite the fact that he was shouted at of Chinese tennis player He. no: “Wait, wait, wait! Hold the mark. What are you doing? Why are you doing that?” he suddenly said.
Sitting in his chair, Shuai Zhang was obviously disturbed during the change, and a physical therapist came to him. Shuai started crying and finally decided to leave the fight. Despite the poor performance of the chair umpire and his rival, in another sporting gesture that further honored him, the Chinese player shook hands with the two before leaving the court to boos from the public, who also had a sad reaction at the time this. whole situation. With all that has happened, the WTA also has a lot of material to work on.
Oddly, without any blushing, Amarissa Toth raised her arms in victory and celebrated her passage to the 2nd round just after Shuai Zhang’s handshake. Toth’s behavior was quickly condemned by other players.
“Everyone supports Shuai. This is unacceptable,” he tweeted. Ounce Jabeur, world number 6 and recent Wimbledon finalist. “Absolutely despicable behaviour,” said the Australian. Ajla Tomljanovic. “I am really shocked at the level of disrespect from this girl. If I see her tomorrow I will tell her how angry I am,” he wrote. ellen perez.
Source: La Verdad
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