Hungarian tennis player refuses to apologise for behaviour in match with Zhang Shuai

Veteran Zhang Shuai, who has been open about her battles with mental health, was left visibly distressed 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 of Hungary, 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.”

Despite widespread criticism and outcry from the rest of the tennis world – including Aussies Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Saville – Toth issued a sad statement.

“I didn’t understand why she made such a fuss out of it,” she said. “That she wanted to overrule the judge’s decision. I don’t understand why she didn’t accept it, but she made trouble for herself.”

The WTA issued an equally disappointing statement.

“The WTA has zero tolerance for racism in any form or context. The unfortunate incident that took place yesterday at the Hungarian Grand Prix and subsequent posts are being reviewed and will be addressed.”

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 behaviour. 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.”