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‘I don’t like when someone is joking on you:’ Errani accuses Bertens of gamesmanship at French Open


Sara Errani has accused Kiki Bertens of gamesmanship following their dramatic second round meeting at the French Open earlier today.

 

Fifth seed Bertens prevailed 7-6(5), 3-6, 9-7 in a contest that lasted over three hours, with Errani twice serving for the match and failing to convert a match point. At one point in the decider there were eight straight breaks of serve.

Qualifier Errani, runner-up at the French Open eight years, was visibly unhappy with Bertens physical struggles on court and refused to tap rackets with the Dutchwoman at the end of the match, walking off court quickly and appearing to swear after her opponent converted a fourth match point on the Italian’s serve.

Bertens was escorted off court in a wheelchair following the match and was in visible pain, though the Italian said in press after the match that she felt the world number eight was “joking” about her injury.

“I don’t like when someone is joking on you,” said the former world number five. “She played an amazing match but I don’t like the situation, one hour she’s injured and runs like never, she goes out of court on the chair and now she’s in the locker room perfect and in the restaurant. I don’t like these things.”

Bertens denied the Italian’s accusations. “She had her opportunities, she didn’t take them,” remarked the former French Open semi-finalist.

Assuming she is fit, Bertens will face Katerina Siniakova in the third round on Friday.

 


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.