Beatriz Haddad Maia
of Brazil advanced to the fourth round of the
US Open
after defeating
Anna Kalinskaya
, but the match was overshadowed by a
controversial decision
involving the tournament's expanded
video review system
. The contentious call occurred in the first set and significantly impacted the course of the match, raising questions about the video referral system's efficacy.
Haddad Maia, a Brazilian left-hander, won 6-3, 6-1 against Russia's Kalinskaya in their third-round matchup at
Louis Armstrong Stadium
.
The turning point came when Kalinskaya requested a video review while leading 2-0. She believed Haddad Maia had won a point off a double bounce, which would have otherwise awarded the point to her. Chair umpire Miriam Bley used a tablet to review the action and ruled that Haddad Maia's shot was valid.
WATCH:
After the review ruling, Kalinskaya struggled to regain her composure and managed to win only two more games in the match. Haddad Maia capitalized on the momentum, securing an easy victory and setting up a fourth-round clash with former world number one Caroline Wozniacki.
The US Open introduced video replays last year and expanded the system for the 2024 tournament, covering eight courts. The system allows players to challenge calls on issues such as double bounces and hindrances. However, the implementation has seen its share of controversy and technical difficulties.
The debate over video technology in
tennis
is intensifying, with many advocating for its consistent application to maintain fairness in the sport. The incident involving Haddad Maia and Kalinskaya at the US Open highlights the need for a standardized approach to officiating.