Former top-10 player Jack Sock has branded an official at the French Open ‘atrocious’ during his heated first round exit.
The American 14th seed crashed out in five sets on Tuesday to world No.136 Jurgen Zopp. Sock was leading the match by two sets, before going out 6-7, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3, to the Estonian. Who won his first main draw match at a grand slam since 2014.
During the clash, Sock criticised umpire Vieira Sousa concerning a series of calls he disagreed with. After one point he argued that ‘the ball was not the close to the line’ during a debate. Then later in the match he expressed how he felt towards Sousa in a brief conversation they had.
Sock: “If I could request a new one, I would. Shocking stuff. Could I request a new ref?
Vieira Sousa: “For what?”
Sock: “For you. You’re atrocious.”
Whilst trailing 5-2 in the second set, the 25-year-old questioned the competence of the official. Last year Sousa received a gold badge from the International Tennis Federation. It is the highest honour that can be given to an umpire and is done so to recognize their work rate and performance on the tour.
“This is your job, right?” Sock asked after serving a double fault. “Hard to believe.”
It was also alleged that Sock stated that Sousa ‘wouldn’t be there’ if it wasn’t for him. Reportedly saying “I’m a player, you wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me” to her.
Jack Sock is not doing well with his chair umpire, at one point calls her "atrocious" pic.twitter.com/jNCqVTsR5C
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) May 29, 2018
Following the match, journalist Stuart Fraser from The Times spoke to Sock about his match. When he asked about the confrontation, the world No.14 insisted that he has no regrets about his behaviour on the court.
Asked Jack Sock if he regretted his behaviour or outbursts towards the umpire, Paula Vieira Sousa, today. He replied: "If she does her job, then I wouldn't have to do that."
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) May 29, 2018
Since reaching a ranking high of eighth last November, Sock’s form on the tour has plummeted. He is yet to win back-to-back matches on the tour this year. Overall, he has won five out of 16 matches played. In the ATP Race in London, he is currently placed at 127th.
Sock will start his doubles campaign at the French Open on Wednesday alongside Steve Johnson.
