VIDEO | Karolina Pliskova shows insane rage after defeat, smashes holes in umpire’s chair
Tennis would perhaps be the only sport to witness continuous altercations between the player and the umpire on a regular basis. But Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova took it to a whole new level on Wednesday as she was seen smashing holes in umpires chair after her loss to Maria Sakkari.
The Italian Open has come to the knockout stages with Wednesday seeing some major upsets. After local favourite Fabio Fognini ousted sixth-seeded Dominic Thiem at the round of 32, Women’s World No 5 Karolina Pliskova was another one, who was humbled by Greece’s Maria Sakkari 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a tight game.
However, it wasn’t the shocking win that grabbed the headlines, but Pliskova’s reaction. The 26-year-old was seen smashing her racket at the umpire’s chair as both the players were leaving the court. It all started with a heated argument in the final set when Marta Mrozinska called Pliskova’s overhead smash out when serving at 30-30 and 5-5. The umpire went on to acknowledge that she had 'lost' the ball mark and therefore had to award the point to Sakkari on the benefit of
Pliskova, visually frustrated, had a brief word with her opponent after the game while shaking her hand at the net before turning to the umpire. However, after stretching her hand at the umpire, she withdrew it instantly and smashed the chair with her racket. The opponent, as well as the crowd, were left in utter shock.Â