Tamara Korpatsch has defended her decision to skip the customary handshake with Wang Xinyu after defeating the 32nd seed in a tense second-round match at the French Open. The German player said she resented being portrayed as unfair over a disputed line call.
Tensions arose late in the opening set of Korpatsch's 6-2 2-6 6-3 win when Wang struck a shot she believed had landed inside the baseline, only for her opponent to point to a ball mark outside the court. Wang crossed the net to inspect the mark on Korpatsch's side, drawing a code violation from chair umpire Aurelie Tourte for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Korpatsch explained there were two ball marks, both out, and that Hawk-Eye showed the ball was eight millimetres out. She said Wang told her she was not okay with the ball marks, leading to the lack of handshake. “I didn’t offer her my hand because that’s not fair for me. She was unfair to come on my side, and I’m not an unfair player,” Korpatsch said.
Unlike the other three grand slams, the French Open does not rely on electronic line calling, as officials can inspect traces left by the ball on the clay. Korpatsch reiterated her frustration at the perception of the incident, stating, “I think she said something like she thought I’m not a fair player … but I don’t know how to cheat, honestly.”
Korpatsch, through to the Roland Garros third round for the first time, plays seventh seed Elina Svitolina next on Friday.
