Hubert Hurkacz and Grigor Dimitrov found themselves in a contentious situation during their fourth-round match at the 2024 French Open. Hurkacz, visibly frustrated, questioned Dimitrov about a change in the chair umpire.
The incident occurred when Hurkacz, shocked by a line call, demanded to speak with the supervisor. Unaware that he was looking at the wrong mark, Hurkacz expressed his frustration. During the changeover at 6-5, he began discussing with Dimitrov the possibility of changing the chair umpire.
“You wanna continue? You wanna continue with the lady here or you wanna change?”
Hubert Hurkacz said.
“Wanna continue with what?” .
Dimitrov asked
Hurkacz then clarified that he hoped to change the chair umpire if Dimitrov agreed.
“I mean if you wanna continue with the lady here or you’re fine or you wanna change. That’s what I’m saying, up to you,” the Pole said.
Dimitrov then said:“Honestly it’s whatever you wanna do.”
Dimitrov then approached Hurkacz’s bench to try to calm him down, exchanging a few words with him. The Bulgarian went on to win the match 7-6(5), 6-4, 7-6(3), advancing to the French Open quarterfinals for the first time. At the net, they exchanged words once more.
Hubert Hurkacz and Grigor Dimitrov were involved in a previous controversy at the 2024 Miami Open. During the deciding tiebreak, Hurkacz’s foot grazed the net, prompting the chair umpire to call a ‘net touch.’ Astounded by the decision, Hurkacz smashed his racquet in frustration, but the call was ultimately correct.