‘Disgusting’ act enrages tennis world as Zhang Shuai is left in tears

Zhang, who has been open about her battles with mental health, was left visibly distressed during the Hungarian Open over a disputed call in her first-round match at the clay tournament – which ultimately led to her retiring from the match after a lengthy argument with chair umpire Morgane Lara.

Zhang was incensed after opponent, world No.548 Amarissa Toth, confirmed a call of out at 5-5, 15-15 in the first set – and then proceeded to erase the mark, which appeared to confirm Zhang’s belief that it was good, with her shoe.

Shuai could be heard from the other side of the court, saying: “Wait, wait, wait, keep the mark. What are you doing? Why would you do that?”

Toth appeared to respond by saying: “Because you’re making problems, that’s why.”

At the next change of ends, at 6-5, Zhang withdrew from the match having suffered a panic attack, according to commentators.

She got up to shake the hand of the umpire and her opponent, prompting Toth to raise her arms in celebration.

It was that act that the Australian stars found so egregious.

“Absolutely disgusting behavior. Shuai is a better person than a lot of us for shaking the ref and that girls hand,” Tomljanovic said on Twitter.

Saville was even more enraged.

“Zero respect for this Toth girl. ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so so so mad. I feel so bad for Shuai,” Saville said.

“Toth “won” this point and “won” this match but her reputation is ruined.”

Zhang later took to Twitter to voice her frustrations over proceedings.

“All efforts on practice was wrong, because when you wanted hitting closer to the line, even touched the line still OUT,” Zhang wrote.

“I love you guys and all girls who supporting me and standing (by) my side.”

Originally published as ‘Disgusting’ act enrages tennis world as Zhang Shuai is left in tears