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Wang Crosses Net and Korpatsch Refuses Handshake After French Open Line Dispute

Chair umpire Aurélie Tourte gave Wang a code violation and the episode highlights Roland Garros’s use of clay ball-mark inspection instead of live electronic line calling.

Overview

  • During their second-round match on Wednesday, Wang Xinyu walked over the net to inspect a ball mark on Tamara Korpatsch’s side after a shot was called out, provoking boos from the Court 7 crowd.
  • Chair umpire Aurélie Tourte issued Wang a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct for crossing the net, and the tension persisted through Korpatsch’s 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory.
  • Korpatsch declined the customary post-match handshake, saying Wang had implied she was not a fair player and that she would not offer her hand because the accusation was unfair.
  • Korpatsch said broadcast Hawk-Eye replay later showed the ball about eight millimetres out, and she now advances to face No. 7 Elina Svitolina in the third round.
  • The incident highlights how Roland Garros’s clay-court practice of relying on visible ball marks and on-court inspection leaves room for human judgment and sparks questions about sportsmanship and officiating that tournament officials may now face.