Amid the controversy that arose from the referee’s decision in the match between Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime, Sloane Stephens, winner of the 2017 US Open, pointed directly at the chair umpire, stating that these errors have no direct consequences for them.
Draper was serving at 5-4 in the final set and responded to a short ball from Auger-Aliassime with a bizarre volley that appeared to bounce off the floor (in Draper’s court) before crossing the net. The chair umpire upheld the initial decision and awarded the point to the Briton, who claimed victory 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
A few hours after the incident, Sloane Stephens shared her views on the situation on social media. The former US Open champion expressed her displeasure and wondered if umpire Gregory Allensworth would face consequences.
“Serious question: What consequences does the chair umpire face? This is 2 incidents in 2 tournaments for the same umpire. Is he on probation? No year-end bonus? Can’t work the next Grand Slam? Fine? I’m genuinely curious,” Stephens said.
This comes on top of another controversy at the DC Open when the umpire banned Canadian Denis Shapovalov after he shouted at the crowd. At the time, Shapovalov was playing in a tiebreak with three match points against him. Nick Kyrgios, Alexander Bublik and Shapovalov himself were among those who criticised the ATP at the time.
Serious question: What consequences does the chair umpire face? This is 2 incidents in 2 tournaments for the same umpire.
Does he go on probation? No year end bonus? Can’t work the next grand slam? Fine?
I’m genuinely curious.
THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL MATCH POINT EVER!!!
WHAT JUST HAPPENED…? 😱
#CincyTennis
