Come On, Come Overrule: The Dramatical Doha Devolution

Posted on February 26, 2015 by David Kane in Media Mumblings // 2 Comments

It all began innocently enough.

Totally expecting Azarenka to roll through this like she did in Melbourne.
—
René Denfeld (@Renestance) February 26, 2015

The battle between two friends and former World No. 1 was a rematch of an earlier encounter at this year’s Australian Open, where Victoria Azarenka eased past Melbourne darkhorse and No. 8 seed Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets. Though the Belorussian remained the much lower ranked combatant heading into Thursday’s Doha quarterfinal, a reassuring run through the second week of the first Grand Slam of the season – along with a solid weekend at Fed Cup – has allowed her stock to remain relatively high. The Dane, by contrast, appears to be leveling off; a semifinal finish in Dubai was ultimately obscured by a virus and final set battering at the hands of eventual champion, Simona Halep.

Rising to prominence around the same time Wozniacki and Azarenka certainly have history, particularly at this tournament. At one of the Middle East’s most prestigious tournaments, the two have shared laughter…

…and tears.

Today’s encounter didn’t appear poised to have the same drama, but in retrospect, there were signs from the start that the match would be, if nothing else, interesting.

View image | gettyimages.com

Playing the second match on Centre Court, the No. 3 seed was immediately perturbed by the conditions:

Wozniacki is not a fan of the wind. At all. http://t.co/sQX4kKE4j7
—
René Denfeld (@Renestance) February 26, 2015

A blustery day tends to most easily show itself in the serving stats, and today was no different:

Azarenka up a break (of return)
—
B*-leh (@BradNW93) February 26, 2015

**Serving down 3-5, Wozniacki hit a second serve that dribbled off the netcord. No call was made, and Azarenka saw it this out:**

#Azarenka unhappy at the call, #Wozniacki unhappy not to get a first serve. Everyone unhappy. #tennis http://t.co/Pt06wft7Cc
—
(@TennisTV) February 26, 2015

Just when you think Hawkeye will come to save the day, it fails. From there, all hell breaks loose:

Is he getting the supervisor on the radio? What even? This is not good.
—
Victoria Chiesa (@vrcsports) February 26, 2015

Outrageously poor officiating right now in Doha
—
Mark McGee (@markmcgee91) February 26, 2015

While Azarenka demands an overrule, Wozniacki sees the delay as an opportunity to request a first serve.

I turn on Doha and everybody's going to school.
—
Jason (@Hurleytennis) February 26, 2015

IT'S ALL HAPPENING. #darulez http://t.co/currivqFJb
—
René Denfeld (@Renestance) February 26, 2015

Vika arguing with the umpire, Woz arguing with the supervisor. INCREDIBLE SCENES.
—
Victoria Chiesa (@vrcsports) February 26, 2015

This moment had everything: umpires, supervisors, even swear words:

"I don't give a shit if I wait 5 minutes or 10 minutes!" "You always side with (the umpire) because you're scared" Woz is going IN.
—
René Denfeld (@Renestance) February 26, 2015

There was even laughter through the tears:

"Did you not see the ball?" (Old friends, getting together) http://t.co/PNy2fSmcMT
—
TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) February 26, 2015

I’m sitting in my hotel lobby laughing my butt off that Woz wanted a first serve. To quote Vika, “Come on."
—
Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) February 26, 2015

Everyone had an opinion, even 2008 US Open giant slayer, Julie Coin #tbt:

First time I've seen BOTH players shafted on the same point. #Wozniacki and #Azarenka in Doha. 9th game 1st set...
—
Rob Koenig (@RobKoenigTennis) February 26, 2015

This Azarenka-Wozniacki kerfuffle, destined for YouTube, is exhibit 3,412 of tennis just tripping over its own feet. Laughable.
—
Ed McGrogan (@EdMcGrogan) February 26, 2015

How can Wozniacki ask for a 1st serve when it was clearly out and just got lucky the challenge didn't work #notcool #whereisthefairplay
—
Julie Coin (@juliecoin) February 26, 2015