Featured Image Credit: Champions TV
Topics: Emma Raducanu, Tennis
Luke Davies
Emma Raducanu was involved in a rather bizarre incident with the umpire during her Cincinnati Open defeat to world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Monday.
Raducana, 22, agonisingly lost 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) against defending Cincinnati Open champion Sabalenka, 27, in a clash which lasted more than three hours.
Throughout the season, the 22-year-old has managed to seemingly put her previous fitness issues behind her and has returned to the top 40 in the rankings.
"As I said at Wimbledon I am really happy to see her healthy - mentally and physically," said Sabalenka following her victory.
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"Every time she is improving and I can see she is getting back to her best.
"I'm enjoying fighting against her - she is such an incredible player."
And despite her spirited performance, fans reacted to a rather bizarre incident involving Raducanu and the umpire.
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Before serving a vital point in the third set, the Brit stopped and pointed out a child crying in the stands before telling the umpire: “It’s been like ten minutes."
The official replied: “It's a child. Do you want me to kick the child out of the stadium?”
Raducanu then shrugged before some fans shouted “yes” on her behalf.
“I can call in, but we need to continue for the moment,” the umpire then added before the match continued.
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Fans were quick to give their thoughts on social media.
One said: “Why is Emma Raducanu being guilt tripped by the umpire for a child screaming in the crowd. That was unprofessional and unnecessary.”
Another added: “Surely ask the parent to take the baby out, no? This is a bit dramatic from the umpire.”
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A third claimed: “Why is a kid there? Any noise disruption at Wimbledon (the most prestigious tennis competition of all of them) don’t allow play if there’s noise in the crowd.”
Speaking in a press conference after her loss, Raducanu said: “She's [Sabalenka] world No 1 for a reason.
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"I pushed her more than I did at Wimbledon, so that's an improvement.”
However, she did not comment on the incident involving the child.