US Open umpire Mohamed Lahyani has escaped punishment after making an intervention during Nick Kyrgios’ match with Pierre-Hughes Herbert.
The Swedish umpire gave the Australian tennis player a controversial pep talk during the second set of his match with Frenchman Pierre-Hughes Herbert. After the intervention from Lahyani, Kyrgios went on to win 19 of the next 25 games as he sealed his place in the third round of the US Open in a bizarre contest.
However the controversy still remains regarding Lahyani’s actions and the USTA have given a second update on the situation regarding Lahyani:
“After a comprehensive review conducted by US Open officials, including US Open Tournament Director David Brewer, Tournament Referee Brian Earley and others, the US Open determined that chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani’s conduct during Thursday’s second round match involving Nick Kyrgios and Pierre-Hughes Herbert went beyond protocol. Lahyani was advised to adhere to proper protocols in all matches that he officiates moving forward.
Lahyani will continue to officiate during the 2018 US Open. His performance will continue to be evaluated, as will that of all chair umpires throughout the course of the US Open.”
The latest twist in this story will not please Herbert who was not happy at the USTA’s statement yesterday which stated the opposite of what Lahyani actually said.
My statement @usopen @ATPWorldTour @usta pic.twitter.com/5kia2HLbpV
— PH Herbert (@p2hugz) August 30, 2018
All eyes will be on the Swede when he umpires his next match on Saturday, while Nick Kyrgios takes on Roger Federer in a blockbuster third round match. As for an unhappy Herbert he continues his US Open journey in the doubles with Nicolas Mahut.
