The United States Tennis Association has come under fire over the controversial actions taken by umpire Mohamed Lahyani during a men’s third round match at the US Open.
Lahyani was officiating a clash between 30th seed Nick Kyrgios and Pierre Hugues-Herbert at Flushing Meadows. The Australian was trailing the match by a set and 3-0. During the change over, the umpire decided to get down from his chair and speak with Kyrgios in what seemed to be a sort of prep talk. Triggering allegations that Layhani violated tournament rules.
“I want to help you. I want to help you,” Lahyani was heard saying on camera.
“I’ve seen your matches: you’re great for tennis.
“Nick, I know this is not you.”
Kyrgios went on defeat Herbert 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-0. Winning 19 out of 25 games following that discussion. The fallout from the antics had lead to allegations that Layhani’s words amounted to coaching. Although Kyrgios has dismissed the claims during his press conference. Later saying that he would be upset if any disciplinary action is taken against the official.
“It’s happened in Shanghai before when we all know I had that moment in Shanghai where the referee said the same thing: ‘It’s not good for the integrity of the sport, doesn’t have a good look’,” Kyrgios said.
“It happens in other sports, too. In soccer, if someone is being roughed, they get warned: ‘If you keep doing this, you get penalised’. Same sort of thing. “It had no effect at all. I was 3-love down, (then) 5-2 down. Obviously, didn’t help at all.”
In contrast, 27-year-old Herbert questioned weather it was appropriate for such conversations to occur in the first place. Despite the criticism, the Frenchman has described Layhani as a ‘good umpire’ who cares for Kyrgios’ wellbeing.
“The umpire doesn’t have to talk to him at all,” he said. “The only thing he can tell him is: ‘Yeah, pay attention, because if you continue like this, I’m going to give you a warning.’ Something like this.
“He can tell him from the chair. He doesn’t need to go down. He doesn’t need to say the words he said. I think this was not his job. I don’t think he’s a coach, he’s an umpire, and he should stay on his chair for that.”
USTA response triggers more anger
An investigation has been launched by the USTA into the incident. In a statement, they said Lahyani’s decision to leave his chair was in order for Kyrgios to hear him due to the noise of the crowd. Whilst outlining the incident, the body has been blasted for not mentioning what was said or if any further action would be taken against Layhani.
After the third game of the second set in the Kyrgios-Herbert match on Court 17, with Kyrgios down 0-3, Chair Umpire Mohamed Lahyani, left his chair to check on the condition of Nick Kyrgios. He came out of the chair because of the noise level in the Stadium during the changeover to make sure he could communicate effectively with Kyrgios.
Lahyani was concerned that Kyrgios might need medical attention. Lahyani told Kyrgios that if he was feeling ill, that the tournament could provide medical help. He also informed Kyrgios that if his seeming lack of interest in the match continued, that as the chair umpire, he would need to take action. He again suggested to Kyrgios that he could receive medical attention.
At the next changeover, Kyrgios down 1-4, received treatment from the physio.
It is not the first time this week that the US Open has been under scrutiny for their rules and regulations. On Wednesday they were forced to apologise to Alize Cornet after she was hit with a code violation for changing her shirt on the court.
Kyrgios will take on Roger Federer in the third round of the tournament. The Swiss second seed dismissed Benoit Paire 7-4, 6-4, 6-4, earlier on Thursday. When asked his personal opinion about Layhani’s comments, he also blasted the behaviour.
“It’s not the umpire’s role to go down from the chair. But I get what he was trying to do. He behaves the way he behaves. You as an umpire take a decision on the chair, do you like it or don’t you like it. But you don’t go and speak like that, in my opinion.” He said.
The USTA has confirmed that they are continuing with an ongoing investigation into the incident. In the worst case scenario, Lahyani could be suspended from the tour.
