An incident emerged on Tuesday evening of Shuai Zhang being robbed of a mark at 5-5 by the umpire in a clash with a local player and then retiring next game with a panic attack after being ignored and booed.
Amarissa Toth celebrated as the Chinese ace went off having had a panic attack which coined heavy criticism with fellow players rallying behind Zhang who as recently as Wimbledon has described heavy issues with mental health in recent months.
"After my grandparents passed away, I started thinking about the meaning of life. I am 34. I've played tennis for 29 years. I've tried all my best, but everyone has a limit. I feel deeply tired, especially mentally. I miss Chinese food in China," she said two weeks ago at Wimbledon.
Among them was Aussie duo Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Saville.
“Absolutely disgusting behavior,” tweeted Tomljanovic. “Shuai is a better person than a lot of us for shaking the ref and that girl's hand.”
"Zero respect for this Toth girl," said Saville in a damning verdict. "ZERO!!!! I am so so mad, I feel so bad for Shuai."
Caroline Garcia, the current World No.5 also chimed in with support for Zhang's character after she tweeted the video thanking people for standing by her side.
"We all know what kind (of) girl you are @zhangshuai121 Take care of yourself," said Garcia.
Alize Cornet too shared disappointment at the celebration amid Zhang going through turmoil both on and off the court in recent months.
A mark of the character of Zhang and also for Toth, not the best way of endearing herself to other members of the WTA Tour.
Absolutely disgusting behavior. Shuai is a better person than a lot of us for shaking the ref and that girls hand. But then again it’s Shuai we are talking about , ofc she did.
Shocking scenes in Budapest: Facing a local player, Zhang Shuai got robbed in a mark at 5-5, complained about the situation, was ignored and then booed. Retired minutes later with a panick attack — she admitted some mental health concerns recently. pic.x.com/JksMUzOHsI
We All know what kind girl you are @zhangshuai121 🙏🏻🙌🏻🤗 Take care of yourself
All efforts on practice was wrong , because when you wanted hitting closer to the line , even touched the line still OUT ….. I love you guys and all girls who supporting me and standing my side
zero respect for this Toth girl. ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so so so mad. I feel so bad for Shuai :(
Shocking scenes in Budapest: Facing a local player, Zhang Shuai got robbed in a mark at 5-5, complained about the situation, was ignored and then booed. Retired minutes later with a panick attack — she admitted some mental health concerns recently. pic.x.com/JksMUzOHsI
The celebration.... 😔😔😔
