Hungarian player Amarissa Toth, whose ‘disgusting’ acts during her Budapest Open match against Zhang Shuai shocked the tennis world, has denied that her behavior was inappropriate.
Zhang, a former world number 22, walked out of the clay-court match in tears after the 20-year-old erased a mark on the ball following a disputed line call.
The 34-year-old had hit a forehand cross that appeared to land on the line, only for the referee to call the shot.
The Chinese tennis player argued with the referee and called the tournament supervisor for several minutes as the crowd jeered and booed, and Toth added to the noise, laughing at Shuai as he grew increasingly frustrated.
The match was restarted only momentarily before the dispute continued, with Toth erasing the mark made in the clay much to Zhang’s disapproval.
Amarissa Toth has denied misbehaving in her controversial match against Zhang Shuai at the Budapest Open
The world number 45 was left in tears and unable to continue on the pitch after the lines dispute
The 20-year-old deliberately scratched the mark made by Zhang’s ball as she continued to talk to the referee about overturning the decision.
Zhang yelled at his opponent to ‘keep the mark!’ before adding: ‘What are you doing? Why would you do that?’
Toth replied: ‘Because you are creating trouble, that’s why.’
While Zhang won the next game, her heartbreak forced her to call her physical therapist and led her to withdraw, with commentators describing how the experience had left the player “in tears” and possibly suffering a “panic attack”.
But Toth was unapologetic for his actions when asked about the match in Radio Kosuth.
“I don’t understand why he made such a fuss, that he wanted to annul the judge’s decision,” said the Hungarian player. ‘I don’t understand why she didn’t accept it, but she made a mess of it.’
Instead, the tournament’s communications manager, Erik Siklos, chose to draw attention to the crowd’s treatment of Toth, when he addressed the issue on Hungarian broadcaster MTI, noting that when the player erased the mark, “several people from the Chinese team” interrupted her, calling her “disrespectful.”
The ball appeared to leave a visible mark on the line before Toth’s shoe obliterated it.
After leaving the match, Zhang quickly shook hands with both the referee and Toth before leaving the court at Romai Teniszakademia, where Toth raised his hands in celebration to the applause of his fans.
Toth will face Kateryna Baindl in the second round of the competition as Zhang’s 13-match losing streak continues.
As videos of the controversial match circulated on social media, several tennis stars supported the veteran player, with many calling for a quick punishment for Toth.
World number 9 Maria Sakkari stated that Toth “should be thrown out of the Tour”, while Daria Kasatkina highlighted “very bad officiating and very bad sportsmanship”.
Ajla Tomljanovic posted: ‘Absolutely disgusting behaviour. Shuai is a better person than many of us for shaking hands with the referee and that girl. But then again, it’s Shuai we’re talking about, of course he did it.
Daria Saville, who was defeated by British number 1 Katie Boulter at Wimbledon, added: “Zero respect for this girl Toth. ZERO! I am so, so, so angry. I feel so bad for Shuai. Toth ‘won’ this point and ‘won’ this match, but her reputation is ruined.
Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur shared her sympathy for the player, saying: All support Shuai (heart emoji). This is not acceptable.
Zhang took to Twitter to thank those who supported her and shared her thoughts on the call, writing: “All the efforts in practice were wrong, because when you wanted to hit closer to the line, you even touched the line still OUT.”
Zhang thanks fans and teammates for their support, which came from high-profile stars like Ons Jabeur and Alja Tomljanovic.
“I love you guys and all the girls who support me and are (to) my side.”
The world number 45 has spoken openly about her mental health issues and has been particularly affected by the recent passing of her grandparents.
While at Wimbledon, where she lost in the first round of singles against Donna Vekic but reached the doubles semifinals with partner Caroline Dolehide, Zhang told a reporter, “After my grandparents passed away, I started thinking about the meaning of life. I am 34 years old and have played tennis for 29 years. I have tried my best, but everyone has their limit. I feel deeply tired, especially mentally. I miss Chinese food in China.’
Fans also weighed in on Toth’s behavior on social media, with one calling his actions “a new low for sportsmanship.”
Toth’s behavior during the match was heavily criticized by fans and players online.
Zhang previously spoke about his mental health issues at Wimbledon, following the death of his grandparents.
