Joao Fonseca’s match with Casper Ruud was the subject of controversy (Image: Getty)
Joao Fonseca and Casper Ruud’s match during the French Open was at the center of controversy.
During the second set at Roland-Garros with the two stars tied, Fonseca and Ruud found themselves in a battle, with the Brazilian star hitting a forehand on Ruud’s set point that was not called out, but a spectator called it out. The umpire then checked the mark and determined the shot was in.
However, upon further review, the ball was deemed out, marking yet another controversial moment at Roland-Garros after a player caused a fresh mascot controversy.
Instead of winning the set, Ruud and Fonseca were forced to continue playing, rather than the former winning it.
Moments later, the 19-year-old hit a shot that was deemed out, but it was actually in based on the replays of the play. Fans on social media were left scratching their heads at the lack of consistency between the lines and pondered what was happening.
Joao Fonseca battled Casper Ruud at the French Open (Image: Getty)
“Biggest highway robbery I’ve ever seen,” a fan wrote on X after the strange interactions on the court, “Also is crazy that neither player has any idea what just happened. Only the commentators and fans have seen the hawkeye.”
A second fan posted: “Genuinely such an embarrassment on what has been a great match. Completely unfair to Casper who objectively won the set.” Meanwhile, a third was more forgiving of the incident, believing that the moment was just part of the game.
“Nope. It’s within the margin of error. The umpire came down and said she saw no space. Correct call was made,” the fan claimed.
Although the moment seemingly tarnished what had been an impressive clash between the two stars, Fonseca took the set win over Ruud, 7 (10)- 6 (8). The Brazilian also won the first set 7-5.
Ruud, the Norwegian star, bounced back to win the third set 7-5. As for Fonseca, he tabbed Ruud as one of the stars who could take the place of Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner after the two stars were eliminated.
“Of course, Jannik and Djokovic out, there’s more chances for the guys that are more time on tour, like Sascha [Zverev], Casper [Ruud], or whatever,” he said. “I’m just focusing match by match. For me, it was a great achievement just being able to play my first time round of 16. I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”
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