Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff have just played out one of the matches of the year, with the Czech star coming out on top.
She is now a Wimbledon finalist.
Hers is a career that has been constantly ravaged by injuries, and despite all of her undeniable talent, her body has simply not allowed her to do what many believed she was capable of.
Now, at last, that potential seems fulfilled, and she will fight for the Wimbledon title this Saturday against one of Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova.
However, offering her post-match assessment was Billie Jean King, who actually focused on one mid-match flashpoint with the umpire, imploring her to keep out of the drama.
Billie Jean King slams umpire for decision in Karolina Muchova’s match vs Coco Gauff
Speaking live on BBC, the American tennis legend admitted she was still hyped up after watching the conclusion of this ultra-dramatic affair between two of the sport’s very best.
It was an enthralling match, and was finished in perfect fashion. Both players saved match points in the tiebreak, but it was Karolina Muchova who finally converted one to secure her spot in the final.
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However, that came after the umpire had actually given the Czech superstar a time violation for taking too long to serve.
King was baffled, as she stated: “Are you kidding me! Just stay out of it when you are in that situation. Just stay out of it as an umpire. Sometimes they choke too.”
As frustrating as it is though, rules are there to be enforced, no matter the time or place.
The umpire has to uphold the rules, even in a Wimbledon semi-final
Whilst it might be an unpopular opinion, and siding with the umpire is seldom recommended, it’s hard to back King on this one.
After all, the umpires are there to uphold the rules.
Whether it be the very first point of the match, or at a crucial juncture in the third-set tiebreak, if a player is flouting the rules, they have to be punished.
At times, common sense must prevail, but on this occasion, Muchova had gone over the shot clock.
Djokovic and Dimitrov have argued with umpires throughout this Wimbledon for reasons different to King’s frustration. However, their complaints were valid and well-founded.
King, on the other hand, is justifiably speaking with so much adrenaline, and can be excused for perhaps being too harsh to the umpire.
