(VIDEO) Footage shared of glaring umpire error during Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek World Tennis League clash
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The opening day of the World Tennis League saw Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina compete against each other over doubles and twice over singles including in a sudden death tiebreak won by the latter over her rival. But also it led to controversy.
Swiatek won their women's singles match 6-4 to level the score at 24-24 between the Hawks and Falcons teams. They then played a super tiebreak to determine the winner of the tie due to all games counting and both being on the same total. Just like normal tiebreaks, Rybakina kicked it off on serve and thereafter the server is entitled to two straight service points. Rybakina led 3-2 and the Pole alternated and was due two serves.
After Swiatek levelled at 3-3, the two players went to a changeover and Swiatek was due to serve at the next juncture but didn't. Instead it was Rybakina who did who ended up prevailing.
Neither player realised the mistake and it was only when fans took to social media to wonder what had happened that this mistake was then pointed out. In this case, Rybakina benefitted from an umpire error to gain a 5-3 lead. Those two points in particular made the difference when it came to Rybakina claiming the win.
Rybakina is currently in action on Day Two of the World Tennis League as the winners and losers face off from the opening day in the round robin format.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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