The primary discussion topic following Gael Monfils’ 2024 US Open loss to Casper Ruud was the ongoing controversy over the umpiring. He had defeated Diego Schwartzman with such ease that he had advanced to Round Two. However, Monfils lost 3-1 in sets despite some amazing theatrics and trick shots. He sat down on his seat, slipping to two sets down, to gather his thoughts for the current task. He swapped out his clothes, his bracelets, and the bandages on his fingers.
Monfils noticed he had forgotten to put on his wristbands and went back to collect them by the time he had stood up.
Ruud advances to the third round by defeating Monfils in four sets. However, the umpire was less understanding. He dealt with the 37-year-old for being late.
But the Frenchman objected to it right away, saying it did not set well with him. “You don’t need this one. Why would you accuse me of being late? Why? It’s not required. “I went slowly at first. I’m not understanding, so could you [the supervisor] please come on the court? I went to play, but you’re giving me a time violation for changing my shirt and bandage? I don’t want to play in these conditions! You tell me this even though I’ve never experienced this and I’ve changed my shirt, bandage, and bracelet. This is because I’m always right.I’m done playing because he (the chair umpire) has sapped my motivation.
Naturally, he went on to play, winning the third set, but Ruud rallied to force a Friday afternoon tie with Juncheng Shang.
Gael Monfils is NOT happy with chair umpire after numerous warnings (for time to change his shirt, bandage) that eventually led a time violation. Asked US Open official to come to court to plead his case.
— Ed McGrogan (@EdMcGrogan) August 28, 2024
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