During her fourth-round match at the WTA 1000 tournament in Rome against Clara Tauson (Denmark), Russia`s Mirra Andreeva, despite winning the match 5/7, 6/3, 6/2, was issued a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The incident occurred late in the first set, which Tauson ultimately won. Andreeva expressed her frustration after the Dane secured a crucial break by hitting a ball off the court and throwing her racket. The chair umpire promptly penalized Andreeva with a warning for her actions. Tauson went on to claim the first set, having recovered from an early 1-3 deficit.
Further tension arose during the second set when Andreeva engaged in a direct confrontation with the umpire. In the third game, with the 18-year-old leading 15-0, she won the next point. However, the umpire decided to replay the point, stating that the court lights had flickered, causing the electronic line-calling system to fail. Mirra vehemently argued against this decision, becoming visibly upset and reportedly crying, but the umpire refused to change her call. Despite the emotional exchange and subsequently losing the next three points to trail 15-40, Andreeva demonstrated resilience, recovering to win the game.
Andreeva`s next challenge for a place in the Rome semifinals will be against American player Coco Gauff.
