David Nalbandian ‘cheated not defeated’ in the 2nd round match against John Isner – Tennis Special
David Nalbandian, the Argentine tennis ace, is fined $8,000 for his misconduct at the arena during the second round contest of the Australian Open, earlier this week. The amount of fine is the largest one to date and it is ridiculous
on part of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) to only s***w players rather than poor decision makers as well.
There was a great drama witnessed in the Australian Open’s second round match between the American tennis ace, John Isner, and the Argentine performer. It was the occasion when both players were tied at 8-all during the final set
of the contest. The match was evenly poised at two sets apiece as Nalbandian was at advantage with Isner to serve the next point.
The American served a high quality ace according to the official at the sidelines; Nalbandian waited seven seconds, scrutinized the spot where the serve landed in his court and then decided to challenge the call. According to the
umpire, Kader Nouni, the call was not made soon enough to be considered and hence it was over ruled but it was clear that the Argentine just took seven seconds to make his call.
Following this drama, the Argentine went to the supervisor, Andreas Egli, to protest against this call but he was in no position to entertain Nalbandian at any cost and denied his request completely. It was so frustrating for the
Argentine; anyone can get furious at the sloppy decision of the umpire at that crucial stage of the game. The replay clearly suggested that the ball was out and not in the prescribed box of the court where Isner should be serving.
Moreover, Nalbandian lost control of his actions and reacted sarcastically to the umpire with thumbs up. It was pretty ominous that the Argentine’s concentration was completely lost at that stage; it was a harsh decision from the
umpire; it was absolutely cruel for the player that has played well against the superior ranked performer and was almost on the verge of the victory. That moment was the turning point of the match as Isner broke Nalbandian’s serve to win the match.
The Argentine smashed the racquet at the court in despair and agony. It was not a professional conduct but one can feel the pain of the Argentine following that terrible decision from the umpire. He had fought so hard all this
time and he deserved the next round berth more than his opponent.
Talking about this incident, Nalbandian said, “I mean, it’s ridiculous playing this kind of tournament with this kind of umpires,” Nalbandian complained after the match. “What is this? What did the A.T.P. do for this? I didn’t
understand in that situation, eight-all break point. I mean, [how] can you be that stupid to do that in that moment?”.
Such events takes the flare away from the game and umpires should not crush the feelings of the players with such harsh decision making that leads to misconduct at the courts. Nalbandian was absolutely right to protest the decision
and that umpire should be banned for life for umpiring at such elite platforms.
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