Controversial Tennis Player Apologizes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
By Kang Pil-joo, OSEN
In a surprising turn of events, Amarisa Toth from Hungary, currently ranked 548th in the world, has finally shown remorse for her unsportsmanlike behavior during a recent match.
Katerina Kozlova, ranked 100th in Ukraine, was eliminated by Toth with a score of 0-2 (3-6, 1-6) in the second round of the Hungarian Grand Prix singles final of the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour (WTA) held in Budapest on July 20th.
Following her loss, Toth took to the tournament’s official social media platform to apologize, admitting, “I didn’t anticipate that the outcome of the match would cause such controversy. I deeply regret what happened.”
The reason behind Toth’s apology stems from her first-round match with Zhang Shui from China. Toth’s controversial action occurred during a tense moment when the score was 15-15 in the first set at 5-5. There was a dispute about whether Shui’s forehand blow was out of bounds.
When the referee called the ball out, Shuang Zhang protested, claiming it was within the court. As there was no video judgment available on the clay court, the decision was made based on the ball mark. This caused a delay of approximately five minutes, during which the Hungarian spectators booed Zhang and overwhelmingly supported the local player, Toth.
In the end, Zhang Shui continued the game and managed to bring the score to a balanced 30-30 with an ace serve, despite the unfair disadvantage. However, Toth disregarded Shui’s objections and removed the mark where she had protested with her foot, despite Shui’s pleas not to erase it.
Ultimately, Shui Zhang lost the game after deuce and sat on the bench in tears before conceding defeat. After announcing her withdrawal, Zhang Shui managed to regain composure and approached Toth to shake hands.
However, in a display of unsportsmanlike behavior once again, Toth immediately raised her arms in celebration, displaying her joy of victory without considering the emotions of her opponent. This drew further criticism from fellow tennis players.
Ons Jaber from Tunisia, ranked 6th in the world, expressed her support for Shui Zhang, stating, “This behavior is unacceptable.” Maria Sakari from Greece, ranked 9th, voiced her criticism, saying, “Toth should be expelled from the WTA.” Daria Kasatkina from Russia and Victoria Azarenka from Belarus also condemned Toth’s actions.
In response to the backlash, Toth issued an apology, stating, “I have the utmost respect for Zhang Shui, both as a player and as a person. I did not intend to be disrespectful or upset anyone.” Toth expressed her desire to personally apologize to Shui Zhang in the future.
Source: Money Today (Translated) – Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited
Provided by OSEN | 2023.07.21 17:38
[OSEN=강필주 기자] Finally, Amarisa Toth (World Rank 548, Hungary), who caused controversy for unsportsmanlike conduct during the match, bowed her head.
Katerina Kozlova (100th place, Ukraine) was eliminated by Toss by a certain score of 0-2 (3-6 1-6) in the second round of the Hungarian Grand Prix singles final of the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour (WTA) held in Budapest, Hungary on the 20th (local time).
Toss posted an apology video on the tournament’s official social media after the loss, saying, “I didn’t expect the result of the match to cause such a big storm. I’m very sorry for what happened.”
The reason Toss apologized was because of the first round match he had with Zhang Shui (28th, China) the day before. As a result, the throw gave Zhang Shuayi away. However, other players had to criticize Toss for bad manners.
The controversial action of the toss started in a tight situation at 15-15 in the first set at 5-5. A debate arose as to whether Jiang Shui’s forehand blow was out.
When the referee called the ball out, Shuang Zhang protested that it was over the line. It was a situation that happened on the clay court, where there was no video judgment, but a judgment was made by looking at the ball mark.
When the game was delayed for about 5 minutes, the Hungarian spectators booed Zhang Shuiyi and unilaterally supported Toss, the local player. In the end, Shuang Zhang went ahead with the game and immediately returned to balance 30-30 with the ace vice.
However, Toss walked forward, and Zhang Shui immediately removed the mark of the ball where he protested with his foot. Zhang Shuiyi shouted, “Don’t erase the ball mark,” but Toss ignored it.
In the end, Shuei Zhang gave up the game after deuce. Zhang Shuiyi sat on the bench and broke down in tears before withdrawing. After announcing the withdrawal, Zhang Shui calmed down and approached Toss to shake hands.
However, perhaps because of the thrill of his first WTA Tour finals victory, Toss immediately raised his arms after shaking hands with Zhang Shui, revealing the joy of victory without hesitation. This scene drew even harsher criticism from other players.
Ons Jaber (6th, Tunisia) said, “I send my support to Shui Zhang. This is unacceptable,” while Maria Sakari (9th, Greece) raised her voice of criticism, saying, “Toss should be kicked out of the WTA.” Daria Kasatkina (Russia) and Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) also criticized Toth’s actions.
In response, Toss apologized, saying, “I respect Zhang Shui-i as a player and as a person. I didn’t mean to be rude or upset anyone.” Toss added, “I want to have a chance to apologize to Zhang Shui later.” /letmeout@osen.co.kr
[저작권자 @머니투데이, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
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