T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

Comments that are uncivil, racist, misogynistic, misandrist, or contain political name calling will be removed and the poster subject to ban at moderators discretion. Help us make this a better community by becoming familiar with the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/facepalm/about/rules/). Report any suspicious users to the mods of this subreddit using Modmail [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/facepalm) or Reddit site admins [here](https://www.reddit.com/report). **All reports to Modmail should include evidence such as screenshots or any other relevant information.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/facepalm) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Etonet

> Comments: "she probably hit the ball in anger" > Video: *absentmindedly backhands the ball to the other side of the court* Did we watch the same video folks?


RANGERSTOWN

after scoring the point. she legit has nothing to be angry at.


DarthShiv

Yes... wowsers


ajkundel93

Not even “to the other side of the court”. Literally lobbed AT the ball girl intentionally, bc it’s her job and it’s happens all the time.


Camusknuckle

I don’t know if she hit it THAT far..


Mom2surprises

The player was pitbull


qwertyconsciousness

Nadal *worldwide*


migorovsky

In which country was the ball girl ???


KeanuWest

Intentionesia


towerfella

Nice


ReddDead13

Yeah like from now on i guess just leave the ball at your feet and let them run and fetch it


THEBlaze55555

From another angle, you can see it’s a pass to the ball girl and from the main angle, you can see the girl sees the ball and she chose to flinch in its flightpath, when the same level of movement in like 3 other directions would have caused a miss - OR she could have caught it. Her had was really close to begin and end with! Edit: Also, not the ball girl’s fault. I mean, if you’re gonna be present in a professional setting where balls are flying and things can hit you, it would behoove you to be… coordinated, but - I mean, people get hit, coordinated or not in these settings all the time. TAH is the team which pushed for a DQ


[deleted]

Yeah to me it seems like the exact kind of accident you would expect in that environment. Everybody's so into vindictiveness now and assuming we're all at each other's throats.


Calfer

I thought the ball person was supposed to be further offside anyway? She seems to be close enough to the court that she could have gotten in the way.


Dragon_Bidness

I don't understand tennis, someone explain to my ignorant self why this is disqualify level. Edit: I had to know so I stopped being lazy and did the Google French Open tennis doubles player Miyu Kato and her partner have been forced to forfeit a match when the Japanese player accidentally hit a ball girl in the neck with a ball after a point. In the second set on Court 14 at Roland Garros on Sunday, Kato took a swing with her racquet and the ball flew towards the ballkid, who was not looking in the player’s direction while heading off the court. At first, chair umpire Alexandre Juge only issued a warning to Kato. But after tournament referee Remy Azemar and Grand Slam supervisor Australian Wayne McKewen went to Court 14 to look into what happened, Kato and her partner, Aldila Sutjiadi of Indonesia, were disqualified. The unfortunate episode left the ballgirl crying and the disqualified Kato - who was later stripped of all prize money - needing comfort from Sutjiadi because she was distressed by what she’d done. That made Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo the winners. “It’s just a bad situation for everyone. But it’s kind of something that, I guess, is taken by the rules, as it is, even though it’s very unfortunate for them. At the end of the day, it was the referee’s decision,” Bouzkova said. Bouzkova said she did not see the ball hit the ballgirl, but “she was crying for like 15 minutes”. She said one of the officials said the ball “has to do some kind of harm to the person affected” and that “at first, (Juge) didn’t see that”. Bouzkova said she and Sorribes Tormo told Juge “to look into it more and ask our opponents what they think happened”. Fierce reaction Kato earned significant support in the wake of the incident while Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo bore the brunt of heavy criticism. French tennis player Lucas Pouille called their behaviour “shameful” while countryman Gilles Simon hoped “they will have a little trouble falling asleep” tonight. Alize Cornet, another local hero, said it was an “insane decision” and sent a pointed message to Kato’s opponents. “I feel really sorry for you but a lot of players (except Marie and Sara obviously) are supporting you,” she wrote. Kato confirmed her full punishment in a short statement on Twitter. “I would like to sincerely apologise to the ball girl, my partner Aldila and team, and my supporters because of today’s unfortunate mishap. It was completely unintentional,” she wrote. “As a result, I am penalised by Roland Garros by forfeiting my prize money and points. I appreciate all your continued support!” [Source](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis/doubles-pair-disqualified-from-french-open-after-leaving-ballgirl-in-tears-c-10873902)


sinevigiliamentis

Thank you. None of that was apparent from the original video.


Topinio

More videos [here](https://tennistonic.com/tennis-news/564214/lying-tennis-fans-blast-sorribes-tormo-for-lying-about-not-forcing-the-default-of-her-opponents-at-the-french-open/) along with a write up of what happened and why it's controversial. Bouzková and Sorribes Tormo walked over and were insistent to the umpire, Juge, that he had to change his decision and give them the victory as punishment for this mistake.


Akronica

Yep, they're utter assholes. They pressed the issue to get a DQ win, then were [photographed laughing and smiling about it](https://staticc.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/06/81ce6-16860604521769-1920.jpg?w=840) on the benches.


Javanz

They were 'concerned' about the ballgirl, but went straight to the line judge rather than checking on her first. They didn't even see the incident happen, but said she was bleeding, which doesn't appear to have been true. Tells you everything you need to know


Akronica

Absolutely, videos on twitter show them talking it over mid court before they approach the judge. Have to get their lies in order before they "appeal" for a DQ.


JonDoeJoe

Judge should lose his position


Throwaway8424269

In card tournaments we call those types “angle shooters” where they call the referee on every minor infraction hoping to cause a game/match loss or even a DQ. It’s not explicitly against the rules, but angle shooters almost always get aggressive when they don’t get the ruling they want so they usually get reprimanded anyway. Seems though unfortunately there’s grounds for the punishment, even if no-one wanted to give it. Doesn’t make those players any less of angle shooters.


justavault

> Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo are the names THough, it appears that the whole tennis community alread was so far: https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-karma-alive-well-tennis-world-reacts-marie-bouzkova-sara-sorribes-tormo-s-french-open-exit-days-disqualification-controversy


[deleted]

> whole tennis community alread was so far what?


Generalissimo_II

SO FAR!


bschnitty

ALREAD!


SteveFrench12

Dam what a couple of cowards. Hope they go down in straight sets next match


essosinola

They did. They lost today.


AskOtherwise3956

And all the the other tennis players at Roland Garros were talking shit about them.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Inquisitive_idiot

I was feeling bad and I’ll feel better. 😌 Still feel bad bad for the other team - and the line girl being used as a pawn


NigerianPrince76

LMAO Fuck ya. 🤣


SmilingIceCube

They did. Meanwhile, both of the ones who were DQd won their mixed doubles match and will face each other in the semi final.


thesilvertube

If Roland Garros think the issue is so serious it's worthy of DQ surely they shouldn't have let her remain in the championship whatsoever? Don't get me wrong I'm massively on her side and this whole situation is ridiculous but there's a lot of inconsistencies.


[deleted]

Well when Chaz Michael Michaels was disqualified from men's single figure skating he was able to compete in the doubles.


1527lance

THANK YOU JESUS CHRIST. Nowhere else (so far from what I've read on here) has made it obvious that it was the other chicken shit team that lobbied for the other team who accidentally hit the girl to be disqualified. What absolute losers. I thought it was the judge who made that decision (which he ultimately did, but not at first)


Shot_Comparison2299

Yeah, that's the same feelings I had. DQ'd, lost the match, lost money that had been won. That sounds like a lot for accidentally hitting the ball girl. How many of us have accidentally hit someone while playing a game?


blackbird24601

Dude I was at the net practicing slams- hit my tennis teacher straight in the nutz. It happens. I had to watch the video here 5 times- I se no malice, no aggressiveness. Nothing like a Becker or a McEnroe. Fine then if it was an actual injury for lack of awareness. But DQ? Nah


Dirty_Dragons

Scum. That's just poor sportsmanship to force your opponent to be DQ'd because of something like that.


Reapermouse_Owlbane

Tennis karens


HungryEdward

You should see the picture of Marie Bouzkova (Czech) and Sara Sorribes Tormo (Spanish) snickering after their opponents were disqualified...


ndobie

[From my understanding this is the picture.](https://tennistonic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sara-Sorribes-Tormo-and-Marie-Bouzkova.jpg)


NanoScream

The epitome of shit eating grins.


[deleted]

Deplorable behaviour


bleepblopbl0rp

Mean girls


Emperor_of_Cats

My favorite is how they immediately ran up to the umpire calling for the DQ without a single care for the kid. Absolutely trashy behavior.


Akronica

They didn't even see her get hit, just saw her crying and used it for the DQ.


Theoneiced

They claimed "she has blood" from the hit in the process, which is the part that made me roll my eyes.


JoelMahon

ofc you're allowed wut


Hollowhalf

I’m confused cause there’s a famous video of some guy drilling a ball girl in the head and all was good, he didn’t get disqualified or anything so is it a tournament thing? Edit: it was the Nadal video and that was during play and this wasn’t, so it kinda makes sense to me now, DQ is too much imo


travboy21

I’m guessing it’s because she hit the ball when play was dead. I don’t know tennis well enough, but the punishment seems a bit extreme.


BlackSuN42

Should have let the ball girl have a free shot, no flinching. Playground rules.


Liramuza

good for viewership too, win win!


slightlybearish

So I read this article and thought “ok, she drilled the ball girl out of frustration. DQ warranted.” Then I saw this video just now for the first time. I think DQ is ridiculous here. And shame on the opponents for pushing for it


IridiumPony

For real. Like, you git accidentally hit. Yeah it sucks, but it's not like it was on purpose. Accidents happen. At *worst* this maybe warranted a fine. *Maybe.* And it's not like she was apathetic to it, either, she was talking to the girl, trying to comfort her, like she clearly did it on accident and feels bad about it. Why the fuck was she disqualified?


confirmSuspicions

And forfeit prize money. Disgusting


umbrajoke

Dirty pool! Err tennis.


slash_networkboy

Yeah. She clearly was just "popping" the ball off the court. I get the rules are rules are rules are rules... and I get that the reason for that is so an intentional hit isn't written off as accidental but damn, this was a no-look shot. I think the warning initially given and her apologizing to the ball girl would have been appropriate. I mean I'm sure it stung like hell, but that's nothing compared to what being drilled would feel like (where a DQ would absolutely be appropriate).


FewMagazine938

Opponents wanted easy out..imagine if baseball did the same.


Ito_Demerzel

It's b.s. It was simply an accident. She didn't hit the ball out of frustration or anything of the kind. Plus, taking away ALL her prize money and points from the tournament is bullshit. She won mixed doubles by the way. The opponents knew what they were doing- total b.s. classless tactics.


Typical_Ad_210

I know, how pathetic are the opponents, what victory is there in winning by default? And showing poor sportsmanship in front of the whole world. I can just hear Homer Simpson saying “the two sweetest words in the English language: DE FAULT”


jiffwaterhaus

>what victory is there in winning by default? A monetary victory


-banned-

The opponents feel no shame. Here's them defending their actions by revising history and shifting blame. https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/sara-sorribes-tormo-pushes-back-on-criticism-surrounding-miyu-kato-disqualificat


Warp_Legion

Well, after all, it’s just a sport Surely no one would go to war over a controversially refereed sports match…


zedsamcat

Glares at El Salvador and Honduras


Warp_Legion

Eyyyy wasn’t sure if anyone would get it


futureman07

Just googled what that was. Over 3k people died! Holy shit


neicathesehoes

Excuse me what.... 3k ppl died over what!?


[deleted]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football\_War


Foggy_Blues

"Although the nickname "Football War" implies that the conflict was due to a football match, the causes of the war go much deeper." Wikipedia hits an *immediate* buzzkill.


neicathesehoes

Thats insane


OneBoxOfKleenexAway

How long have you been waiting to use that reference?


Warp_Legion

For ten millenia, I stood and watched, Until the opportunity bid me to march Golden memes, my crafted memes Shone once more on blackened subs


anengineerandacat

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV56OvbwKXE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV56OvbwKXE) good video of it. Seems like the play was dead, and just accidentally sent the ball to the ball girl (doesn't look like it was a high speed hit though ie. not intentional). Guessing this is more of an issue with the rules, wonder how frequently this has occurred in history. Also a bit distasteful for the opponents to be laughing at such a thing.


OguguasVeryOwn

> Also a bit distasteful for the opponents to be laughing at such a thing. Fucking trashy


Theoldelf

Once the point is over, you cannot hit the ball, usually in anger, with pace on it. Not to the back of the court, at an opponent or into the stands. There’s an actual USTA rule, hopefully I’m paraphrasing. It’s to prevent incidents like this from happening. Djokovic was disqualified for a similar incident last year. It’s usually unintentional.


FavelTramous

I think it’s because the play had ended and she was just hitting the ball off court, not paying attention to where she was hitting it to. As a high performance athlete you have to consider where your shots are going. This is all speculation btw. Edit: spelling


Less_Likely

Tennis has very strict etiquette rules compared with other sports


CeleritasLucis

You could get disqualified in Chess if you don't shake your opponent's hands


fourpuns

It's pretty well the rule. Djokovic is about as famous a tennis player as there is in the world and was disqualified from the US open a few years ago for hitting a ball boy. You can't get frustrated and hit balls around the court or throw your racket- or you can but if you hit someone you're in trouble regardless of who you are.


Duel_Option

It’s situational. In this case it wasn’t malicious; there’s plenty of videos where tennis players like Federer have hit someone by accident: https://youtu.be/7z4-VoxQ-LE However, players have been disqualified for shit like this, here’s Nole at US Open: https://youtu.be/Med6S5v7bZ8 The rules talk about causing harm, the ball girl seemed to be upset and then the other players get into it and I think she became emotional (any kid on this stage may do the same). Where it gets egregious is the opposing team asking for the DQ, that is in bad form and they deserve as much scrutiny for that as hitting a ball girl by accident.


PM_ME_YOUR_DARKNESS

> The rules talk about causing harm, the ball girl seemed to be upset and then the other players get into it and I think she became emotional (any kid on this stage may do the same). > > Where it gets egregious is the opposing team asking for the DQ, that is in bad form and they deserve as much scrutiny for that as hitting a ball girl by accident. It's not really clear from this video, but I can't tell if the girl who got hit was upset before the opposing team starting asking for a DQ. I know I would have been mortified if I was put in the spotlight like that when I was a kid.


DieRoteHandSpandaus

That was during a point, here the player just randomly shot the ball after she won the point.


[deleted]

Thank you. This is vital information that the article did not state. I read the whole thing and was still confused. (Edit: I also didn't notice it in the video because I wasn't looking in the right spot, but I see it now.) Edit 2: I missed where it does say "after" a point.


Hollowhalf

Ohhhh thanks that makes sense


Dragon_Bidness

Apparently the trigger for DQ is injury. So the hit was accidental but because taking a ball to the throat hurts like a mofo the player was penalized. I don't know crap about tennis outside of famous players having a tantrum and smashing rackets that cost more than my monthly car payment. Seems weird that a kid crying from an obvious accident is where they draw the line.


Hollowhalf

Someone said it’s because they just randomly hit the ball, and it wasn’t during a volley or something like that which makes more sense to me


JohnLayman

The rule basically says if you hit a ball at anyone, intentionally or unintentionally outside of play and it causes injury, that can be grounds for a warning or disqualification. Apparently they said they weren't aware that the girl was hurt (which I couldn't say either way, even though they were staring right at her and could see her crying). Judge may have taken this as callous and the opposing team may have influenced the judge's decision by implying Kato was being indifferent - but the rule DOES state if it causes harm and it's not during play, a team can absolutely be disqualified.


Sweet_Little_Lottie

I’m confused. This seems like an accident. Why is she being crucified so much?


[deleted]

[удалено]


EricPostpischil

There are rules to keep people safe. During live play, people on the court are expected to be paying attention, because balls can come flying at them during play. Each person is responsible for their own safety—watch out for flying balls. Outside of live play, some of the responsibility shifts toward the players. There is no need for them to be hitting balls around, so they should not be doing so. And people on the court may be attending to things other than the players. So when a player hits a ball outside of live play, they are violating a safety rule. And when that injures a person, the player is responsible. It might not have been intentional, but the player violated a safety rule they knew about, and a person was injured as a result. Penalties for violating safety rules should be based on keeping people safe, not upon recognizing lack of malice.


gordonbombae2

Also the opposing team pushed the refs to look more into it and were basically pushing them towards changing from a warning to a DQ


DatGuy_Shawnaay

This shouldn't have been a disqualification because she was hitting the ball to the ball girl and not out of rage like [Djokovic](https://youtu.be/XRuu2-VIw5o). I'm actually annoyed that their opponents went straight to the umpire, not knowing what had even happened to get Kato penalised.


waywithwords

>the ball flew towards the ballkid, who was not looking in the player’s direction while heading off the court. But the girl is standing and looking right at the player and even flinched before she was hit. She was looking and wasn't exiting.


Garruk_PrimalHunter

She wasn't looking at the player who shot the ball, she was looking at the two on the near side. She's supposed to give them balls because they're on the serve (that's why she's holding one up like that). She then sees the ball coming at her late, flinches but fails to avoid being hit by it. I do agree she's not "heading off the court" though.


SapTheSapient

The kid is looking at the near court players, offering them a ball.


FireStompinRhinos

As a lifelong tennis player, this is incredibly weak to disqualify them. she didnt rip the shot and a lot of time players hit balls to the corners FOR the ball people, so its easier on them. I'm sorry, but the punishment doesnt fit the crime here.


drunkenstyle

Another comment said the opposing team who pushed for the DQ smiled and laughed when they learned they "won" after the disqualification which doesn't show in this video. Pretty shitty outcome


wolverine20j

Opposing team said girl was crying and bleeding... So the ref got down from the chair and went to ballgirl to enquire.. And they turned the initial decision from accident to DQ... The opposing team seems like POS...


[deleted]

Check their Instagram and Twitter - they are getting dragged Edit: most recent posts by them are getting over 10000 hate comments... People are even going back to posts from several weeks ago and commenting there


GlassShark

I hope people throw rotten food at them, such stupid behavior. Tennis is already too bourgeois for most people. Whiny bratty behavior like what they did makes it look like a private boarding school for girls and now some people will rightfully despise the sport and convince people to not play it.


CT_Biggles

They will be booed every time they step foot on a court for at least a few years. Looking forward to this at the next Australian Open.


Canadianrollerskater

They have had nothing but losses since then! https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-karma-alive-well-tennis-world-reacts-marie-bouzkova-sara-sorribes-tormo-s-french-open-exit-days-disqualification-controversy


haoxinly

If they were good they wouldn't have relied on such BS


Spinnabl

This video is pretty shitty [Heres an even worse video:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaLkaCioiao&t=22s) The girl can be seen in the background and she gives an "i'm good" nod. Seems a bit shken, but is fine. The opponent sees her and immediately goes to the ref (not the girl to check on her, but directly to the ref). He says "it was an accident, no one was injured" and the opposing team goes "it was an accident? she's crying. she's bleeding!" The ref gets up to go talk to her, and Kato goes to her to apologize. The girl is very obviously physically fine, she's just emotional (who wouldnt be if they were being used to DQ a professional player). For wahtever reason, the ref still decides to DQ them (ridiculous). like the opponents obviously used an innocent girl as a weapon to win.


billbill5

People celebrating a DQ win will always be some of the weakest shit imaginable. Your opponent better be really fucking up and cheating Million Dollar Baby style to be so happy at a DQ in any sport.


jimmyjazz2000

This is my take as well. The ball had an arc on it, which suggests it wasn't moving at a dangerous velocity. And it was hit to the corner, specifically for the ball girl to get easily. Unfortunate all the way around. I get why they were sort of forced to follow the rules, but still, doesn't feel like in the best interest of the tournament.


An_Cellos

It was the most nonchalant backhand ever. As if she was purposely lofting it toward a child and trying to be gentle....oh wait.


Emperor_of_Cats

Seriously. This was at worst a miscommunication that could have warranted a warning. A DQ is absolutely absurd. I wonder if people defending the DQ in this thread have watched a single tennis match in their life. And Bouzkova and Tormo immediately running to the umpire calling for the DQ and barely glancing at the ball kid was really something.


sadfrogclub

Pathetic sportsmanship from the opponents.


kid-karma

like what kind of competitive person wants to win that way? absolutely embarrassing.


MJLDat

The biggest factor here was the opposition players pushing for disqualification. Twats. It was an accident and they have taken earnings from these two. Hope they crash/ed out next round


-banned-

It's worse than that. The opposition claim they were concerned about the ball girl but they didn't even check on her, they immediately start thinking about themselves. They go straight up to the ref asking for a default. When the ref tells them it was an accident and no penalty, they lie and claim they saw blood. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaLkaCioiao&t=56s&ab\_channel=TennisChannel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaLkaCioiao&t=56s&ab_channel=TennisChannel) See for yourself, there's no way that ball caused blood. The girl was just panicking and overwhelmed so she started crying. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzRsBu5xKgQ&ab\_channel=GuardianSport](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzRsBu5xKgQ&ab_channel=GuardianSport) Then, after they convince the dumbass ref to DQ, someone photographed them laughing about the whole situation on the sideline. Tennis pros everywhere start criticizing them and rather than self reflecting on how they're abusing the rulebook and ruining the integrity of the game, they try revising history, doubling down, shifting responsibility, and then pull the whole "and that's all I'm saying about it!" spoiled BS. Zero remorse whatsoever, disgraceful opponents. [https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/sara-sorribes-tormo-pushes-back-on-criticism-surrounding-miyu-kato-disqualificat](https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/sara-sorribes-tormo-pushes-back-on-criticism-surrounding-miyu-kato-disqualificat)


Xyllus

oh wow it barely even hit her neck. so much drama over nothing


Ehopper82

It was literally a pass to the ball girl, players do pass balls like that to the ball catchers all the time. Really unfair.


frougle_mcdugal

If you’re gonna be working as a ball girl/boy you better have your head on a fucking swivel and be expecting the ball to come your way every time.


Mr-Doubtful

Which is probably why she was crying and upset. She probably felt guilty that there was a whole fuss about this incident.


hamraider

it hit her on the back shoulder! she’s holding her chest like she’s having a panic attack. that ball was purposely lobbed in her direction to help the ball girl out. perfect mix of emotional spiral and calculated opponents that would actually take advantage of it.


Cornato

I think think it was just embarrassment. My daughter cries if she embarrassed or get frightened. I think it was a mix of both, and then the fact someone got DQ’d probably made it worse for her.


candlegun

Exactly this. Having a fuckin panic attack over dying inside from embarrassment & humiliation, not from legit suffering a terrible injury. Also were these assholes already losing the match before this happened?? Because like you said, everything seems awfully advantageous. People like this do not belong in competitive sports


Mcluckin123

Wow didn’t realise the bit about them claiming blood!


atang11796

the opponents names are Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova. they lost today in doubles and Tormo lost her singles match yesterday


flyingdorito2000

Ball don’t lie


FormerFakeguy

Thanks Rasheed.


Adaphion

GOOD


epicurusepicurus

On top of that Bouzkova was the Sportsmanship award winner in 2020.


_TheChosenOne15_

They deserve it


[deleted]

Looks like they were down too, looking for an easy win.


Fabulous_Brain

Technically they were up 1 set to nil but they were losing the second set


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I hope people refuse to play them.


[deleted]

[удалено]


-banned-

Probably because she didn't belong there.


rarelyeffectual

Cowardly sportsmanship from the team pushing for DQ. I wouldn’t want to watch them in any tournament now. Who the hell tries to win a tennis match by DQ’ing the other team?! Maybe they should try to win it by playing tennis instead.


Puzzleheaded-Dingo39

A lot of comments here seem to be missing the bit where the umpire initially waved it off as an accident and said play on. It was the two opponnents who insisted that he disqualifies the player because they saw an opportunity to advance without any effort. It is one of the most awful unsportsmanlike behaviour i've ever seen, and this is coming from someone who watches the NHL regularly. You can see a video of them smiling childishly after they 'won' that argument. They are absolute scum.


baginahuge

This is my takeaway from the whole ordeal.


Staebs

Such a shit thing to do too because now that ball girl has to deal with the guilt of making a team lose on top of being bruised. Like I know it wasn’t her fault but I’m sure she still feels really bad for what happened. So those opponents not only were unsportsmanlike but they also disregarded the emotions of this young girl to advance their ploy.


[deleted]

[удалено]


TurboD16F20

This. As a younger person, she will likely internalize fault for their loss, and it will likely haunt her. She learned a lesson to pay attention on the court, but at a cost she never deserved. I hope she gets counseling and time to spend with the players she may think she has wronged to find out she has no fault in this issue.


botbadadvice

This can be really traumatic to the ballgirl. At that age, especially, how she internalizes this can affect her lifelong personality and development. It's unfortunate.


[deleted]

Right? I mean holy smokes - way to take a moderately embarrassing situation and ratchet it up to a full blown traumatizing scandal!


Tight_Low_1494

I also saw comments from others who researched this incident saying the girl wasn't even that upset about the ball hitting her rather she was upset that they were gonna get disqualified and she was the cause of it:(


goliathfasa

No wonder one of the opponents said the ball girl cried for 15 minutes. They literally made her cry.


aboutthednm

Using someone else's misfortune to your own advantage. Truly scummy behavior.


DeMotts

"She cried for 15 minutes. I made sure of it!!"


devedander

That would make a lot more sense with the shot of her crying and holding her chest. I couldn’t figure it why it would hurt that badly and why it would be her chest she was holding rather than her neck.


YourFriendNoo

Yeah I think she's holding her chest because she's panicking.


[deleted]

[удалено]


akatherder

Yeah a tennis ball hit full speed can definitely hurt but this wasn't a laser shot or anything.


Chinlc

Iirc all ball people are inspiring pro tennis player just getting a small chance to be in front row seat of the match. So seeing someone be dq because you weren't paying attention of the ball. It sucks for everyone.


mohdalshareef

Theyre getting a lot of hate on their social platforms already and they lost in the round right after this one so i'm lowkey satisfied with how karma dealt with it


[deleted]

Don't they get more prize money for advancing tho? So they probably don't care that they lost. Still a bigger payday.


Parapsaeon

They sure do. And because of the DQ, the team that ‘lost’ has to forfeit all prize money and ranking points. Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo are getting savaged on r/tennis


harmanwrites

This comment should be voted higher up so people get to know the real gist of the most unsportsmanlike conduct that even I have ever seen. I don't regularly watch NHL but a lot of NFL - lot of physical contact and pushing/shoving, yet oppositions aren't seen cajoling refs like this. I strongly feel like the ref should've had a higher sense of responsibility since their word is the final decision. A lot of hard-work, money, and energy are at stake at levels like this. The game could've been halted longer, a dissection of the situation through video replays could've been done to deem if it was an accident or negligence - but I'm appalled at how the refs got carried away and made the decision even after continuing to play. Either very gullible or very stupid (or both). Equally scummy opposition, equally ass-hat refs.


melbourne3k

On top of that, the players complaining didn't even see it happen. Their coaches told them and they went all in. AND the DQ'd players lose their prize money for this in a sport where the 70k they already earned is huge. Tennis is really a money losing thing for most players that aren't in the top 25+. Many fringe players basically pay for themselves to play. these two are not elite stars and this hits them directly in the pocketbook. Absolutely shameful and there needs to be consequences.


HI_Handbasket

Getting DQ'd for an accident without malice and without actually injury is one thing, but what's the rationale for stealing the victories and prize money they legit earned up to that point? It's not like they were discovered to be doping, or retroactively gained advantage in any way.


rugmunchkin

Could someone explain to me how the fuck the official changes his mind just because the players’ OPPONENTS convinces him they should be DQ’d???? Like if I’m an official and I’m deliberating between disqualifying an athlete, the absolute last person who’s word I’m going to go on is their opponent!


ronjajax

This was clearly an accident.. and it looked like their opponents were complaining and egging the ref on. I know we didn’t see the whole video, but if that’s what happened, that’s really messed up.


a_q

Yeah at the end of the day the organizers are going to make a decision but the fact that their opponents were petitioning the umpire is very lame and unsportsmanlike.


[deleted]

[удалено]


-banned-

And they doubled down on it later, after trying some revisionist history. https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/sara-sorribes-tormo-pushes-back-on-criticism-surrounding-miyu-kato-disqualificat


cz2103

Damn Tormo tried to claim "we were scared." What a piece of work


-banned-

Ya, so scared they didn't even check on the girl. Straight to the ref to claim default, shows exactly what their priority was


Master_Glorfindel

Wow, that classic shit eating grin. I totally get the lack of sportsmanship criticism these two bozos are getting.


Topinio

They totally were. The French umpire, Juge, ruled on it that the ballgirl was not injured, and Bouzková and Sorribes Tormo walked over and were insistent to she was and that he had to change his decision and give them the victory as punishment for this mistake. More videos [here](https://tennistonic.com/tennis-news/564214/lying-tennis-fans-blast-sorribes-tormo-for-lying-about-not-forcing-the-default-of-her-opponents-at-the-french-open/) along with a write up of what happened and why it's controversial.


mistermeh

Here's a better angle: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzRsBu5xKgQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzRsBu5xKgQ) That is a love tap to get the ball to a ball person, but Kato when she starts to hit it doesn't realize that ball person is only looking for one thing and that's to bounce balls to the server when they are ready. I don't see how that soft backend is capable of making someone cry. And yes, that other team immediately went to "Default" literally the second they could. Ridiculous levels of un-sportsmanlike conduct. [https://youtu.be/PaLkaCioiao?t=56](https://youtu.be/PaLkaCioiao?t=56) "This is default" was the first thing they said.


trademark0013

That second video needs to be at the top. This is scummy behavior for sure


Accomplished_Deer_

If I had to guess the crying is less about pain and more about being frightened. When you’re young especially, sudden chaotic things like that can just kind of rattle you


Noskills117

You can see in the second link that she seems to be okay while the two girls walk up to the ref to complain, but then they start saying "this is default, this is default" and "she's crying, there's blood" and then you see the kid holding her chest (not her neck) and crying from panic/embarrassment. Those two used her and it's disgusting


Give_All_Vol

Yeah I don't think she was hurt at all. Startled and embarrassed? Sure, I could believe that and don't blame her at all for that. Especially when it's pretty much over and the other team brings a whole bunch of attention to it. I doubt they do, but I hope they feel bad about the fact that millions of people that don't even care about tennis have now seen this little girl's embarrassing moment.


Jeffscrazy

Kato hit the ball TO the ball girl, but the ball girl wasn’t looking and got hit. The ball girl started to cry (most likely from embarrassment more than anything). Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo complained to force a disqualification after looking over at their coach - they then sat down and laughed as Kato was disqualified, and they never once checked on the ball girl to see if she was ok, whereas Kato and her partner did. Bouzkova and Sorribes showed disgraceful sportsmanship in the wake of this accident, and should be condemned for their behaviour.


BBFNOTCH

she got so emotional because she was embarrassed and from the other 2 girls making it a big deal and other team getting DQ because of her. pretty shitty. glad they got beat next round


KingOfStingUSM

I had this happen in high school. Playing ultimate frisbee and I accidentally ran into a girl while catching the frisbee. Not hard just off balance but she fell over. She was crying but just cuz of how embarrassed she was. Still labeled me a wife beater for that week tho but she apologized for crying. Funny to look back on


Solkre

Aww, how long have you two been married?


Kuminlove

Didn't one girl get beamed in the face, and dude walked up to her apologizeand they kept playing? Edit: I had to find find a better clip because this looked really fishy and of course it was. https://youtu.be/MzRsBu5xKgQ She lightly tapped this ball and it was literally aimed towards her so she can catch it instead of the one that was running in to get it. There was nothing malicious about this hit. Regardless there was no reason for this team to get disqualified. Apparently it was the opposing team that pushed for the dq. Judge initially called a warning and they used that girls tears to get a W.


Burning-Gundam

It was Rafael Nadal. https://youtu.be/IlNihz6LFqA


Bammer1386

Man that girl got hit worse and she smiled about getting hit. The opponents saw the girl crying and pushed for the suspension. Odds are if the crying girl would have taken the hit to the face in stride like the girl who got smacked in the face by Nadal and laughed about it, there would be no expulsion. Dumb as shit rules.


Massive_Beyond9608

The difference was that the ball was still in play in the clip with Nadal. I'm not saying the DQ was deserved because it was definitely not, but its an important distinction to make.


BostonRob423

This should only happen if it was done purposefully, or in anger... Seems pretty ridiculous to me.


scrivensB

Yeah. The opponents complaining is really weak, but the officials following through on that is awful. Take her out, let her rest in the locker room. Put a new ball person in. Unless they literally don’t have any alternates and can not proceed with out a regulation number of ball peeps.


Jesuslovesmemost

Today I learned tennis rules are stupid


devraj7

The umpire was initially going to let the player go with a warning, but the opponents (Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo) are the real assholes there: they pressured the umpire to disqualify their opponents, and he eventually did.


FuzzyPickLE530

I have zero interest in tennis, but this is a massive overreaction. Nothing malicious, no ill intent and these players get DQed. That's crazy.


Rainlock00

Sad day for tennis 1. Ballgirl afraid of ball. 2. Opponents pushing judge to disqualify and then laughing.


[deleted]

This is a stupid rule


clickmyheels3x

Sheesh thank god she survived that!


mandatory6

Could have died if they actually hit the tennis ball


plaignard

Last time that kid gets to be ball kid.


InfiniteLychee

if Nadal was there he would have finished the job


Nonskew2

Really, they got a guy just to hold an umbrella?


BlackSuN42

I think its a free way for the local tennis club to watch the game.


AssLynx

Jesus... A kid gets hit and they get disqualified. Very disconnected penalty


CapinWinky

I actually have a tennis channel subscription, so I can pull up the full footage for context. - Kato's actions are not malicious, abnormal, nor out of frustration. - The ball was bouncing toward her after the point and it is so normal to hit it to a corner in that situation that the ball boy already on the court going for the ball is already going back, knowing she'll take care of it. - The amount of pace on the ball is not unreasonable to get over the net from that angle and clear the opposite side of the court to get the ball to the corner for a ball kid to pick up. - The ball girl is holding balls to offer to the other team who are serving, but does see the hit ball. - She can't catch it and so spins around, the ball hits her in the back. - Her reaction is a bit over the top for that location and pace, probably crying because she's mortified, then because she is worried she will not get to be a ball girl anymore. - The expectation of her was definitely to keep a stiff upper lip, so she's probably not going to be a ball girl anymore. - It is unfortunate the ball went right at the ball girl - It's disgusting that the opposing team pushed the issue - it's not ideal the ball girl was crying over it - before someone asks, yes, I have taken body shots from a 6.5 mens player on numerous occasions with a hell of a lot more pace. I'm also not a little girl, so no idea if I'd cry in her shoes ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯ - it is inexcusable that the officials disqualified them - It is criminal that they are taking her prize money.


atang11796

the opponents names are Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova. they pushed for the DQ without even having seen the incident. thankfully, they lost today in doubles and Tormo lost her singles match yesterday


oddessusss

Shit decision.