JOIN USAs a result, many of the first-round ties saw heated exchanges between players over calls.
“It’s ridiculous that such a big tournament is played without umpires. I have told the authorities several times but nothing has been done so far,” said one of the coaches.
The situation was confusing for the players as well. During a women’s match, one player was seen moving to the chair for the break with the impression that the game was over. Then her rival recalled each point and convinced her to continue the game.
“You can’t blame the players, they have to concentrate on the match. Then they have to count each point which puts additional pressure on them. You have to be professional in your approach,” the coach added. The organisers, however, defended the move.
“Usually we have chair umpires only from the quarterfinals. We have an official overseeing the matches. So I don’t think there will be any problem,” said an official. Problems there were certainly, out on the court.