“Doing it because she’s Australian,” Danielle Collins accuses chair umpire of favoring Ash Barty in their clash at WTA Adelaide


“Doing it because she’s Australian,” Danielle Collins accuses chair umpire of favoring Ash Barty in their clash at WTA Adelaide

Danielle Collins

Danielle Collins

Danielle Collins scored an upset victory over the home favorite and world number one, Ash Barty in their last 16 clash on Wednesday. However, the match was not short of a controversy as Collins hit out at the chair umpire in the early stages of the match. The American accused chair umpire, Tom Sweeney of favoring Barty just because ‘she is an Australian.’

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Collins defeated Ashleigh Barty in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-4 to book a quarterfinal berth. However, in the opening game of the match, the American could not keep her cool as she lashed out at the chair umpire after being denied the opportunity to challenge a call. The score read 15-40 on Collins’ serve. Barty’s backhand seemed to go long but the American continued the point, which she eventually lost hen her forehand landed out.

Collins was denied the opportunity to challenge the original shot from Barty, which did not go down well with her. “The ball was a foot out,” Collins told Sweeney. “Don’t give me that. I hit three aces inside the singles line and then I didn’t get the point and the other girl did. Please challenge the call. The ball was a foot out,” she added.

That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life: Collins hits out at chair umpire

Collins defeated Barty in straight sets

Danielle Collins did not shy away from venting her anger and called the decision as one of the most ridiculous things she had ever seen in her life.

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That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life The ball was this far out. I’m sorry, it’s unacceptable. I immediately, after I hit the ball – said? What difference does it make? I’m waiting for a call. Sometimes the calls aren’t until a second after,Collins said.

The American decided to take things a step further as she accused the umpire of favoring the Australian. “You’re doing it because she’s Australian,” Collins accused Sweeney. Sweeney issued a warning to Collins and asked her to stay away from making such questions. “Danielle, please be careful in that sort of questioning,” said Sweeney.

Also Read: WTA Adelaide International: Ash Barty succumbs to Danielle Collins