World No.13 Diego Schwartzman has rejected claims that he benefited from an act of incredible sportsmanship by Aussie wildcard Chris O’Connell, saying it was so obvious that his opponent clipped the ball with his racquet that conceding the point was the only possible outcome.
Schwartzman was asked about the moment in his press conference following his unexpected straight-sets defeat, with the Argentinian star eliminated from the Australian Open in one of the biggest upsets of the week.
In the end, the outcome of the point O’Connell was praised for was inconsequential, with the Aussie up 40/0 at the time and going on to hold serve.
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Yet, during a crucial time in the first set of the biggest match of the underdog world No.175’s career, his concession of the point was commended by commentators, leading to the question of Schwartzman as he reflected on his loss.
“I think it was very, very clear,” Schwartzman told reporters in his press conference.
“It was not like perception. It was so clear.
“I think nobody is going to lie under that position because it was very, very clear. It was so clear to know that he touched, and he said he touched, and that’s it.”
Immediately after O’Connell fessed up to touching the ball, which then sailed out of court, commentator Nicole Bradtke celebrated O’Connell’s class.
“Beautiful, we expect nothing less from our Australian athletes to have great sportsmanship,” she said.
O’Connell will meet American world No.70 Maxime Cressy in the third round.
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