BUDAPEST, Hungary — Chinese language tennis participant Zhang Shuai has dropped out of a match after her opponent erased a ball mark together with her foot following a disputed line name on the Budapest Grand Prix, with the WTA saying on Wednesday it was investigating an “unlucky incident.”
Second seed Zhang withdrew from the match as she led 6-5 within the first set in opposition to Hungarian opponent Amarissa Toth within the clay-court event on Tuesday.
The dispute was over a forehand by Zhang that gave the impression to be in however was known as off. Zhang argued for the choice nevertheless it stood and the match continued briefly earlier than the disagreement over the road name resumed.
As Zhang repeated his protests, Toth walked over to the bullet mark and wiped it away together with his foot.
“Wait, wait, wait! Hold the mark,” Zhang shouted in response. ” What are you doing ? Why would you do this?
Zhang sat crying and shaking her head in her chair for a number of moments in conjunction with the sphere earlier than stepping down.
She shook fingers with the principle referee and Toth earlier than showing to level on the crowd, who had booed and mocked her for difficult the decision.
“The WTA has zero tolerance for racism in any kind or context,” the WTA tweeted. “The unlucky incident that occurred yesterday on the Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest) and the messages that adopted are being investigated and can be addressed.”
He gave no additional particulars.
