'Ugly behaviour': Fans divided over Amanda Anisimova's 'unfair' stoppage
Rising tennis superstar Amanda Anisimova’s request for a Medical Time Out at a crucial point in her match against Dona Vekic has divided the tennis world.
The 19-year-old star was in a see-saw battle with World No.16 Vekic after taking the first set in a close tiebreak.
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But on a warm evening, Anisimova became uncomfortable after developing serious blisters.
The pair again were even at 6-6 and one point a piece in the second set when Anisimova called for a trainer.
Vekic was clearly annoyed at Anisimova calling an MTO and stopping all momentum.
“It just happened,” the American was reported to have told Vekic, alluding to her injury.
Vekic is not happy with Anisimova taking a medical time-out during the tiebreak (blister). #IBI20
AA: "It just happened"
DV: "Just happened ?"
AA: "What would I do if I fell. I would need a MTO" pic.twitter.com/jmoWPb1iqK— Ashish 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) September 14, 2020
Fans divided over Anisimova MTO call
While, Vekic appeared to come around to the MTO, some fans on social media thought it was ‘unfair’ of Anisimova to request a stoppage for an injury during a crucial tiebreak.
The chair umpire allowed it and others had no issue with the 19-year-old star taking a second to get treatment after it was clear she was suffering.
I understand people not believing MTO’s anymore because of Yastremska but Amanda was clearly in pain after the match when she put her racket in her bag! Plus Anisimova would never fake a MTO after all the things that she has said about Yastremska 👀
— Sean 🤍 (@ArianaxTennis) September 14, 2020
Not happy about Anisimova having a MTO 1-1 in tb 😂
— LorenaPopa 🕵️♀️🎾 (@popalorena) September 14, 2020
Ugly behaviour from Anisimova. Took MTO because of blister😂🤣 in the middle of tie-break!pic.twitter.com/tatz3oK6hP
— linkart (@_linkart_) September 14, 2020
Anisimova stopping play and taking a MTO during a TB just for a blister. Are you kidding me??
She just missed an easy MP by miles and then Donna broke back just after that so she just wants to break her momentum!! Disgusting. #ibi20— Lisa (BEL21VE) (@lisa_wawrinka) September 14, 2020
If Anisimova taking an MTO during the middle of a tiebreak got inside Vekic head, then she deserved to lose. End of.
— . (@AnyoneButSerena) September 14, 2020
Vekic is not amused by Anisimova calling a MTO at 1-1 in tiebreak
— Eggy 🥚 (@TheBoiledEgg) September 14, 2020
Slight irritation between Anisimova and Vekic.
Annie wants an MTO during the TB.— Reservoir Ducks 🦆 (@DuckDaBlackSwan) September 14, 2020
How come Anisimova is allowed to take the MTO at this moment? Seems unfair
— Gavin Mair (@gavinnightmair) September 14, 2020
The stoppage helped Anisimova gain composure and she was able to hold on for a 7-6, 7-6 victory.
Right after the match, the young American could be seen checking on her hand as she was still in visible pain.
Anisimova took to Instagram following the tough match and showed fans just how badly she was suffering from the blisters.
Anisimova is undoubtedly one of the rising star’s of tennis in the US.
Earmarked for a big future, Anisimova signed a mega long-term deal with Nike that was reported to be the largest ever for a teenager and comparable to that of former great Maria Sharapova's eight-year, $102 million deal.
