French Open Controversy: Andy Roddick Loses Cool at ‘Largely Dumb’ Call Sabotaging Alexander Zverev’s Title Hopes

Carlos Alcaraz created history by claiming his first French Open trophy, defeating Alexander Zverev. As the celebrations subsides on the Spanish side, the shortcoming of the tournament is making rounds in the media. It was an intensive fight as could be anticipated during the finals. However, the climax of the Roland Garros was marred by controversy. That not only ‘robbed’ the German, of the point but also the Musketeer’s trophy. Since then, the tennis enthusiasts have given their two cents about the alleged faulty call of the umpire. And the former American tennis legend, Andy Roddick sympathized with the German as he held the tournament accountable for the mishap. 

When it is a close match at the Grand Slam, like yesterday’s final in Paris, every point matters. When it’s about the deciding 5th set, players, fans, and umpires can’t help but be overly cautious to ensure Fair Play. However, the fourth game in the fifth set left a sour aftertaste after the sweet victory. It is alleged that World no.3 had a double fault by a sliver margin of 2 millimetres. And Zverev called it, however, the umpire overturned the decision and the point went to the Spaniard. Thus, bringing the momentum of the German to a halt.

Recently, in his Podcast Served with Andy Roddick,  the former tennis player took a dig at the French Open for being unable to leverage the technology available for a fair call. While sympathizing with Zverev, whose call was overturned during one of the most crucial games of his career, Roddick said, “Listen Zverev got, he got some arguments wrong, he is a little busy playing a match. The umpire has one job, Zverev has a million, apparently managing insulin.” 

Certainly, a player in the match, who is focused on claiming his first Grand Slam, cannot be blamed for somebody else’s decision. Roddick blasted umpires for not making the right calls, he added, “But the fact that Roland Garros chooses to have all the technology available to not miss line calls, and yet we are still leaving it up to umpires to translate marks that might be half a millimeter is one of the dumber things that that I just don’t understand it.” 

Even though the French Open has access to all the technology to ensure smooth functioning and fair play, it still being not utilizing was not appreciated by veteran tennis star. This was not all, as Roddick further criticized the umpires for not making the right calls not only for line calls but also during critical moments. 

Roddick criticizes umpire during Alexander Zverev’s ‘fish bowling‘ 

Roddick was unhappy for not taking the help of technology to determine the double fault. However, he was furious with the umpire for not making use of the head cam available when Zverev got a bit ‘handsy’ with the former. He said, “Why do we have a head cam and we invest all this money in this thing that is largely dumb and when Zverev grabbing your arm and go like kind of fully fish bowling you. You don’t go straight to head cam in that moment.”

It’s not every day the umpires are manhandled but given the intensity of the last set, where either of the players could claim the title. And a point that could have restricted the momentum to the status quo ensuing a continuous fight, certainly blew the German to the extent that he got into an argument with the umpire to state his reasoning.

However, despite discontent, the result cannot be changed, and Zverev would have to settle with the support he has from the tennis crowd. Did you watch this controversial moment? What were your thoughts during the match? Do let us know in the comments!