Zhang Shuai and others are here to apologize and withdraw from the competition | Zhang Shuai | Apologize
After China's tennis star Zhang Shuai suffered a controversial decision and withdrew from the game with tears in her eyes, a few days later, she finally received an apology from her opponent. The latter apologized by recording a video on social media and expressed the hope of having the opportunity to communicate with Zhang Shuai in person.
On the 21st, Beijing time, the women's singles competition of the World Women's Tennis Association Hungary Grand Prix held in Budapest, Hungary continued. Previously, Hungarian local wild card player Tot, who had advanced due to the withdrawal of China's Golden Flower Zhang Shuai, was eliminated with a total score of 3:6 and 1:6, losing 0-2 to her opponent currently ranked 100th in the world.
After the end of this game, Tot, who had already been eliminated, issued a video statement on the official social media of the Hungarian Grand Prix, apologizing to Zhang Shuai. She expressed great respect for Zhang Shuai and did not want anyone to feel disrespectful, sad, or hurt, and apologized for what had already happened.
"Hello everyone. After being eliminated from the competition, I think it's time to say a few words about what happened. I didn't expect my first WTA tour victory to cause such a big uproar, and I'm very sorry for what has happened. Whether as an ordinary person or an athlete, I respect Zhang Shuai very much. It's not my intention to make anyone feel disrespectful, sad, or injured, just like Zhang Shuai feels."
The dispute occurred in the first round of women's singles on the 18th local time. In the first set of the game, Zhang Shuai drew 5-5 with his opponent. In the crucial 11th inning, Zhang Shuai's hit was deemed out of bounds by the referee on duty. However, the live video clearly showed that it was a penalty kick.
Video display of ball pressure line
Zhang Shuai immediately requested the competition supervisor to enter the field, but the competition supervisor expressed respect for the referee's decision. During the communication between Zhang Shuai, the referee, and the game supervisor, the on-site audience kept booing.
At the same time, the opponent Tote disregarded Zhang Shuai's obstruction and directly used his foot to erase the controversial ball mark. Although Zhang Shuai loudly reminded the other side, "Wait a moment, keep the ball mark."
Zhang Shuai then complained to the referee, "If it's really out of bounds, why did she wipe the ball mark?". Ketote shouted loudly, "Because you're causing trouble."
Under the influence of controversial referees and unfriendly voices on the scene, Zhang Shuai lost the game. She shed tears on the sidelines and made the decision to withdraw from the competition.
Screenshot of Zhang Shuai's social media.
After the incident, several world-renowned tennis players defended Zhang Shuai, and many foreign fans and media also accused the referee of being unfair.
On the 20th, the WTA International Women's Tennis Association released a statement on official social media, stating that it upholds a zero tolerance attitude towards any form of racial prejudice and discrimination.
In the match against Zhang Shuai, after learning that he had won, Tot was still cheering on the sidelines. Tote also responded specifically in the video, stating that he realized his behavior was not appropriate and hoped to have the opportunity to sit down and communicate with Zhang Shuai.
The WTA has issued a statement stating that it will conduct a review.
"I have realized that we shouldn't celebrate in that way after the game, and I apologize for that. At that time, I was too emotional. I have been focused on tennis, but I don't want to win the game in this way. I hope to have the opportunity to sit down with Zhang Shuai in the future and tell her how bad it feels to end the game in this way," she said in the video.
During a post match interview, Tot's opponent also comforted Zhang Shuai, saying, "I hope the competition can be fair and Zhang Shuai can feel better. I hope we can see her on the field soon. Zhang Shuai is an incredible athlete who is very respected and a good person. She has many things to learn from."
