‘You made a fuss out of it… and trouble for yourself!’: Remorseless tennis star, 20, whose ‘new low for sportsmanship’ behaviour led to her opponent’s panic attack, hits out at her rival – and WON’T be thrown out of the tournament

Hungarian player Amarissa Toth, whose “disgusting” performance during her Budapest Open match against Zhang Shuai shocked the tennis world, has denied that her behavior was inappropriate.

Zhang, a former world No. 22, pulled out of the clay court match in tears after the 20-year-old cleared a ball mark following a disputed line call.

The 34-year-old had hit a crosscourt forehand that appeared to land on the line, only for the umpire to call out the shot.

The Chinese tennis player argued with the referee and called for the tournament director for minutes as he was mocked and booed by the crowd, and Toth added to the noise and laughed at Shuai as she grew increasingly frustrated.

The match resumed only briefly before the dispute continued, with Toth erasing the mark on the clay to Zhang’s disapproval.

Zhang yelled at her opponent to “keep the target!” before adding, ‘What are you doing? Why would you do that?’

Toth replied, “Because you’re causing trouble, that’s why.”

While Zhang won the next game, her distress forced her to call her physio and led to her retirement, with commentators describing how the experience had left the player “in tears” and possibly giving him a “panic attack.”

But Toth was unapologetic about her actions when questioned about the match Radio Kossuth.

“I don’t understand why she made such a fuss about it, that she wanted to overturn the judge’s decision,” said the Hungarian player. “I don’t understand why she didn’t accept it, but she made it difficult for herself.”

The tournament’s communications manager, Erik Siklos, instead chose to draw attention to the public’s treatment of Toth when he was brought up on the subject by Hungarian broadcaster MTI. ‘disrespectful’.

After withdrawing from the match, Zhang quickly shook hands with both the referee and Toth before leaving the field at the Romai Teniszakademia, where Toth threw her hands in the air to celebrate her fans’ applause.

Toth takes on Kateryna Baindl in the second round of the competition, as Zhang’s 13-match losing streak continues.

As video clips of the highly controversial match circulated on social media, a number of tennis stars rallied around the veteran player, with many calling for a swift punishment for Toth.

World number nine Maria Sakkari claimed Toth “should be banned from the Tour”, while Daria Kasatkina stressed “very bad refereeing and very bad sportsmanship”.

Ajla Tomljanovic posted: “Absolutely disgusting behaviour. Shuai is a better person than many of us to shake the referee and that girl’s hand. But again, it’s Shuai we’re talking about, of course she did.”

Daria Saville, who was beaten at Wimbledon by British No. 1 Katie Boulter, added: ‘Zero respect for this Toth girl. ZERO! I am so so so angry. I feel so sorry for Shuai. Toth “won” this point and “won” this game, but her reputation is ruined.’

Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur shared her sympathy for the player, saying: All support to Shuai (heart emoji). This is not acceptable.’

Zhang took to Twitter to thank those who supported her and share thoughts on the call, writing, “All the efforts to practice were wrong because if you wanted to get closer to the line, you even hit the line OUT.

“I love you and all the girls who support me and stand by my side.”

The world No. 45 has previously been outspoken about her struggles with mental health and was particularly affected by the recent passing of her grandparents.

While at Wimbledon, where she fell to Donna Vekic in the first round of singles, but reached the semifinals of doubles with partner Caroline Dolehide, Zhang told a reporter, “After my grandparents died, I started to think after thinking about the meaning of life. . I am 34 and have been playing tennis for 29 years. I did my best, but everyone has their limit. I feel deeply tired, especially mentally. I miss Chinese food in China.’

Fans also weighed in on Toth’s behavior on social media, with one calling her actions “a new low for sportsmanship.”