Chris Evert laments lack of video review tech after umpire error sparks controversy in Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jack Draper Cincinnati Open clash
Following the controversial match point incident between Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Cincinnati Open, former World No. 1 Chris Evert has seemingly lamented the absence of a video review system. Her remarks came as a reaction to journalist Jon Wertheim's views on the issue.
Auger-Aliassime took the first set 7-5 while Draper clinched the second 6-4. On match point, the Brit hit a volley that seemed to bounce twice before crossing the net. However, chair umpire Greg Allensworth missed the double bounce and granted the point to Draper, ending the match in his favor.
Auger-Aliassime later confronted Allensworth in a heated exchange, insisting that Draper's volley had hit the ground. However, with no video review system, the Canadian's protest went in vain. Moreover, Allensworth stood by his original call, claiming he didn't see Draper shank the volley.
In light of the incident, veteran sports journalist Wertheim criticized the absence of video review calling it "absurd" not to use the available technology. Commenting on a video of the incident on X(formerly Twitter), Wertheim wrote:
"It's absurd there's no video review. When technology exists - and it does here - use it."
Wertheim added that if Draper had offered to replay the point, his sportsmanship would be globally praised.
"Hard to condemn a player for not conceding a point. But if Draper takes Felix at his word, offers to replay the point (or even plays a deuce point), win or lose, his gesture is celebrated internationally....," he added.
18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert later responded to Wertheim's comments, emphasizing the importance of that point and the lack of a video review system.
"ugh, and such a crucial point in this match...," Evert responded.
Recently, 24-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic also voiced his frustration over the lack of video replays urging that such situations should be avoided in the future.
Nick Kyrgios, Rennae Stubbs, and others criticized Jack Draper for incident versus Felix Auger-Aliassime
While discussing the matter with Felix Auger-Aliassime and the chair umpire, Jack Draper said he couldn't determine if the ball had touched the ground because he was focused on the Canadian.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and tennis legend Rennae Stubbs disagreed with Draper's argument, asserting that players are usually aware of where they hit the ball.
Kyrgios wrote on X:
"Mate. Horrible call, but every player knows you know exactly where you hit it hahaha ridiculous stuff."
Commenting on a post on Instagram, Serena Williams' former coach Stubbs wrote:
"The ball 100% hit the ground and then went over. This umpire needs to retire. Also may i add. I played serve and volley tennis. I know exactly of that ball hit the ground or if it hit my racquet cleanly. It’s not Jacks call, it’s the umpires BUT u know as a player if it came off your racquet cleanly or not."
Meanwhile, ESPN's tennis analyst Darren Cahill also called for the introduction of the video review system in the ATP tournaments:
"Video challenge system please. We have it. Use it. Nice to see the US Open implementing the VR system on 8 of its match courts."
Additionally, World No. 11 Stefanos Tsitsipas, Denis Shapovalov, and Mischa Zverev also commented on the Draper-Auger-Aliassime incident.
Jack Draper, who reached the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 event, was defeated by Holger Rune 6-4, 6-2, concluding his campaign.