Ajla Tomljanovic won a stunning 4-6,6-4, 6-2 victory over Jelena Ostapenko, making it her second major Round. However, the victory was not the main focus of the television audience. They were more interested in the heated arguments between the rivals on Court 15 rather than the actual result.
Tomljanovic accused Tomljanovic of inflicting an injury to her and using gamesmanship to try to stop her game.
Ostapenko twice broke Ostapenko's serve in order to take a 4-0 lead for the final set. Ostapenko requested a medial stop, saying she had pulled an abdominal muscle. With audible irritation, the Aussie approached Fiona Edwards, chair umpire.
"You know she lies, right?" Tomljanovic said to the umpire, "We all know."
Tomljanovic asked to see the tournament's manager while Ostapenko waited to be treated by the trainer. Although the conversation between Tomljanovic, the chair and Ostapenko lasted a few minutes each, the final decision to grant Ostapenko his request was not overturned.
Ostapenko's issue being a developing medical condition, it is appropriate to immediately stop Ostapenko from treating the injury with a physical therapist. Tomljanovic's frustrations are valid. The current MTO rules leave room for interpretation and are difficult to enforce. Over the years, many players have complained about the ease-to-abuse rules which can lead to strategic play rather than genuine medical assistance.
Ostapenko finally returned to court after treatment. Tomljanovic won strong to get her last 16 spot. But the drama didn't end there as the two waited before they shook hands at the net.
Ostapenko quickly added, "If you believe I'm lying, you can talk to the physio," Ostapenko stated, adding, "Your behavior in any way is horrible." You don't have respect."
Tomljanovic replied, "Honestly, You're one of the talkers," as the crowd cheered.
Ostapenko referred to her as "the worst player on tour" after she left the court.
She told the press after the match that she had pulled her abdominal muscle in set two and was feeling pain when she served. Ostapenko said she thought Tomljanovic was the worst on tour due to her "very disrespectful" attitude.
Tomljanovic supported her on-court statements and confirmed that she believed the 2017 Roland Garros champion wasn't really injured but was trying to disrupt her momentum.
For a place in Wimbledon's quarterfinals Emma Raducanu, an 18-year-old Brit will be playing. It seems that what is past is now, and she looks forward to continuing her outstanding grass-court campaign.
Tomljanovic stated, "My feelings towards winning surpasses any drama that occurred."
