“I don’t think Hubert wanted to be rude,” Grigor Dimitrov defends Hubert Hurkacz who bizarrely wanted to change chair umpire during Roland Garros fourth-round match

When Hurkacz made the strange demand, many fans found it hilarious, but also criticized the Pole for it, calling him arrogant.

“I don’t think Hubert wanted to be rude,” Grigor Dimitrov defends Hubert Hurkacz who bizarrely wanted to change chair umpire during Roland Garros fourth-round match

Hubert Hurkacz, Alison Hughes, Grigor Dimitrov (Images via Imago, X)

Amidst criticism from fans, Grigor Dimitrov defended his Roland Garros fourth-round opponent, Hubert Hurkacz when he made a bizarre demand to change the chair umpire. After beating the Pole 7-6(7-5), 6-4, 7-6(7-3), Dimitrov explained why some unusual scenes occur during matches. 

It was in the third set when Hurkacz argued with chair umpire Alison Hughes about a call. Hurkacz was 5-4 on the set when it happened. 

YouTube video

After leading the set 6-5, Hurkacz made that strange demand, which many fans found hilarious, but also criticized the Pole for it, calling him arrogant. Hurkacz exchanged a few words with Dimitrov, who seemed puzzled at first but decided to do whatever the eighth seed wanted. The 33-year-old Bulgarian later said Hurkacz did not want to be rude when he asked to change the umpire. 

FS Video
I believe that in the heat of the moment, we can say things that we shouldn’t say. But I don't think Hubert wanted to be rude. Like I said, he's one of the nicest guys on the tour. The chair umpires are doing their best. It's not easy when the ball is so close to the line, they try their best. But it is certain that we can all have unpleasant words at the moment. But when we play matches of such quality, seen from the outside, I can tell you, it's difficult for everyone.
Grigor Dimitrov said at the press conference 

Dimitrov has now set himself the quarterfinal clash against Jannik Sinner, scheduled on June 4. It’s the first time the World No.10 reached the quarterfinals at the Roland Garros. 

Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou reacts to Hubert Hurkacz’s request to change chair umpire

When the video of the incident involving Hubert Hurkacz, Grigor Dimitrov, and the chair umpire went viral, it caught the attention of Holger Rune‘s coach Patrick Mouratoglou. The Frenchman, who is very active on social media and often joins tennis-related discussions, retweeted the video and wrote a caption implying how hilarious the entire thing was. 

Hubert Hurkacz
Hubert Hurkacz (Image via Imago)

Check his post here:

Dimitrov and Hurkacz were battling it out to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in Paris. While the Pole will be trying his luck next year, Dimitrov will ensure he improves his head-to-head record against Jannik Sinner who leads it 3-1. It will be their first encounter at a Grand Slam event as well.  

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