"This is blatant racism; this keeps getting worse" - Hungarian Open organizers blaming Zhang Shuai for line call controversy leaves tennis fans vexed

The organizers of the Hungarian Open have come in for criticism for their handling of the line call controversy. They blamed Zhang Shuai for the incident and defended Amarissa Kiara Toth, leaving several tennis fans feeling frustrated and perplexed.

The match between Shuai and Toth was marred by controversy, to say the least. During the first set, a line call at 5-5, 15-15 became a huge point of contention, leaving Shuai distraught. She firmly believed that her ball had landed on the line, but the chair umpire held a different opinion.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Zhang Shuai requested Amarissa Kiara Toth to preserve the mark so she could inspect it during the changeover. However, Toth wiped the mark away with her foot at 30-30.

The entire incident left the Chinese player in tears, ultimately leading her to retire from the match.

The Hungarian Grand Prix organizers recently took to social media to defend Amarissa Kiara Toth. The organizers said there was no misunderstanding in the incident and accused "the Chinese" of manipulating the world through a deceptive video.

"Amarissa did not decide if the ball was good or not. It was the decision of the linesman and then the chair umpire. The Hungarian tennis player in the first WTA main draw match of her life may not have behaved in every situation, but she did nothing that could be described as a lack of integrity. And there is no deflection, no misunderstanding. The Chinese are manipulating the world with a manipulative video," the organizers commented.

Upon learning about the comment made by the organizers, several tennis fans were outraged and took to social media to express their anger. Many even accused the organizers of racism.

One fan extended their unwavering support for Zhang Shuai and strongly criticized the organizers for their comments. They also urged the WTA to take immediate action against the tournament.

"Ok. Enough. This is blatant racism, from a state which has an openly fascist government. @WTA needs to act against the Hungarian GP for this. And I’d like to see a statement from the @ptpaplayers. Full solidarity with @zhangshuai121," a fan tweeted.

Another fan expressed concern about the escalating controversies surrounding the match between Zhang Shuai and Amarissa Kiara Toth and inquired whether the WTA would take any action regarding the incident.

"This keeps getting worse and worse. Are you going to do anything about this @WTA??" the fan tweeted.

Here are a few more reactions:

Zhang Shuai thanks fans for their support after tense incident at Hungarian Grand Prix

Zhang Shuai at the Rothesay International Eastbourne

Following the controversial incident at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Zhang Shuai turned to social media to express her appreciation to fans and fellow WTA players for their unwavering support.

The World No. 45 also emphasized that the ball had indeed landed on the line, thereby implying a lapse of judgement on the part of the chair umpire.

"All efforts on practice was wrong , because when you wanted hitting closer to the line , even touched the line still OUT ….. I love you guys and all girls who supporting me and standing my side," she tweeted.

"A lot of players /fans such warm messages , love you guys and really appreciated again . Move forward stay strong," Zhang Shuai added.

The defeat against Amarissa Kiara Toth extended the Chinese player's losing streak to 13 matches. Zhang has struggled on tour the last few months; she last tasted victory in a singles match at the Lyon Open in early February.

Throughout 2023, Zhang has managed to emerge victorious in just four matches - all at the 2023 Australian Open.