Grigor Dimitrov sticks his neck out for French Open rival who tried to get umpire removed
Hubert Hurkacz got Grigor Dimitrov involved in his spat with the umpire at the French Open.
Grigor Dimitrov stuck his neck out to defend Hubert Hurkacz after the mild-mannered world No. 8 tried to have their umpire removed in the middle of their French Open clash.
Minutes before Dimitrov sealed victory, Hurkacz got into a disagreement with Alison Hughes over a line call. He then called over to his opponent and asked if he wanted to “change the lady” in the chair before they continued.
The Bulgarian eventually calmed Hurkacz down and they resumed the match, with Dimitrov going on to take it in a tiebreak, reaching his first French Open quarter-final.
Related articles
He later gave his take on Hurkacz’s attempt at mutiny, repeatedly insisting that the 27-year-old had no bad intentions behind his request. “Listen, I think the thing is we all can say very difficult things in the heat of a moment,” the world No. 10 said.
“I'm sure whatever he said, it was not meant in a bad way. As I said, he is one of the nicest guys on tour. Also, the umpires, they're trying their best. It's a tricky business out there when the ball gets so close to the line. So I think they're doing their best.”
Hurkacz has a reputation for being one of the most polite players so it was even more surprising for fans to see him attempt to have the umpire removed. But Dimitrov continued to defend his opponent.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He added: “On his end we can all say difficult things in the heat of a moment, so I don't think he meant anything bad on that end. As I said, everyone tries to do their best. I think when you play match from such a calibre, when you see it from the outside, of course, it gets tough on both ends. As I said, he doesn't mean any harm or anything like that.”
In the third set, Hurkacz argued with the British umpire after she called one of his shots out, asking for the supervisor to come to the court. Replays showed that Hughes was correct in her judgement but the Pole tried to act during the changeover as he led 6-5.
“G, you wanna make a change? You wanna continue with the lady here?” he asked, calling over to Dimitrov. The 33-year-old couldn’t hear him and replied: “You wanna continue with what?”
Don't miss...
Stefanos Tsitsipas fires warning to Carlos Alcaraz after being taunted by rival [PREVIEW]
Boris Becker tears into 'unprofessional' French Open in call for unusual rule [REACTION]
French Open dark horse sends 'uncomfortable' message to Sabalenka - EXCLUSIVE [EXCLUSIVE]
Hurkacz then got up and walked closer, gesturing to the umpire as he spoke. He continued: “No I mean like if you want to continue with the lady here or if you are fine or you wanna change? Up to you.” But Dimitrov was confused, asking what he wanted to change.
“Change the lady in the chair umpire,” Hurkacz said, though his opponent wasn’t fussed. “Honestly, it’s up to you,” Dimitrov said. When play resumed as normal, the Bulgarian forced a tiebreak and stormed through to seal a 7-6(5) 6-4 7-6(3) victory. He has now reached at least the quarter-final of all four Majors.
Hurkacz was later asked why he decided to ask for the umpire to be replaced but he didn’t give much away. “I think I could have asked before. No, just asking Grigor if he would like to make the change. If not, then we're perfectly fine,” the two-time Masters champion said.
