A line-call decision controversially overturned by the umpire that ended up becoming a huge moment in the French Open final between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz has left fans furious. The Spaniard ended up clinching La Coupe de Mousquetaires 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 in four hours and 19 minutes.
During the fifth set, Alcaraz, who was on his second serve 15-40 down at 2-1, served a ball that was called out. The chair umpire overturned the call much to the German’s surprise as he tried to persuade the umpire to get a better look before giving his judgement. His pleas were in vain as the decision was made and to make things worse, the Spaniard held his serve.
However, the visual on the TV showed that Alcaraz’s serve was out.
Fans were furious with the situation as this potentially altered the outcome of a Grand Slam. One of the fans said that Alexander Zverev was robbed and Roland Garros were at fault.
“Zverev was robbed. RG should do better”
Another fan said how the tournament wanted Carlos Alcaraz to win and blamed the umpire for making the error. He was angry as nothing was going to be done.
“That was a game changer they want Alcaraz the golden boy to win. Completely took momentum from Zverev that was gonna break. It’s always this umpire that does poor decisions and mistakes he’s the worst. But they won’t do nothing about it.”
Here are some other reactions from fans with some calling for the use of the shot spot.
“Roland Garros needs to start utilizing shot spot. That’s inexcusable.” a fan said
“Brutal. Changed the match. No better argument for shot spot than this. Gotta get the calls right if you can.” a fan opined
“On the whole tournament they are giving every call to Alcaraz. In this final it’s constantly in favour of Alcaraz. That was a double fault on 3 break points. Totally stolen Zverevs break on the 5 set.” another fan opined
Here are some other reactions from angry fans.
“the umpire seems to have lost his sight” a fan said
“This call likely significantly affects the result of a Major championship. Either don’t show the mark on TV… or use Hawkeye. So brutal.” said another
“I’ll be back next year” – Alexander Zverev expresses desire to win the French Open
During the trophy presentation, Alexander Zverev thanked his team for sticking with him during hard times and said that though they came agonizingly close, he hoped to win the trophy together with them one day.
“And of course, to my team as well. Thanks for not only the last two weeks but obviously the long journey we had, also since the injury on this court,” Alexander Zverevasaid.
“We were close today – not enough, but hopefully one day we will be able to hold this trophy together, so thank you,” he said, expressing his French Open ambition.
Zverev then thanked the fans for creating an amazing tournament throughout the tournament expressed his love for Court Philippe-Chatrier and said he’ll be back next year.
“It’s been amazing; the atmosphere was amazing; the support that I got was amazing and I really love to play on this beautiful court – one of my favorite courts on the tour. I’ll be back next year,” the World No. 4 added.
This was Alexander Zverev’s second loss in a Grand Slam final. His previous defeat came to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.