No.15 seed Anna Kalinskaya was left fuming at a controversial decision after the new video review system controversially failed to overrule a clear error at the US Open.
Louis Armstrong Stadium, one of eight courts that has the new technology for non-line calls implemented at Flushing Meadows, was at the centre of a complete debacle that later had consequences in terms of the result.
Replays showed Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia hit the ball onto her side of the court before crossing over the net which helped win the point and hold serve to trail 1-2 in the opening set.
A confused-looking Kalinskaya walked to the chair umpire and asked for a video review. However, despite multiple angles and a second chance to correct the mistake, the decision stood in favour of Haddad Maia.
Renowned tennis journalist José Morgado was left in utter disbelief about how the decision came about.
“What? AHAHAHAHAHAH It’s a clearly ILEGAL PLAY!!!!!! Everybody is watching,” he said on X.
“This is absolutely embarrassing, I’m sorry. You use VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and you can’t see with your eyes... Instead of break point it’s game point and then game.
“One of the most embarrassing moments of this US Open. If it’s for this… then don’t use VAR at all."
Former Australian player and now commentator Rennae Stubbs vented her frustration on X given the VAR was brought in to help reduce errors.
"How the hell do you get that wrong on Armstrong WITH VAR!!!," she said. "What the hell is the umpire looking at!!!! Omggggg!!!!! Wowza! You have VAR and you still get it wrong! I'm shook!
"I played 22 years of professional tennis and knew if I got to a ball or not, if I double hit a half volley or not, if a ball hit me before going out or not! So to take a point when you don't deserve it and know the truth, is pretty (four thumbs down emojis)."
From that moment onwards, Kalinskaya won two games as she was eliminated 6-3, 6-1, leading to a frosty handshake at the net after match point.
It comes two weeks after the exact same incident occurred during the Cincinnati Masters in Montreal between Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime, causing uproar on social media.
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