While tennis fans were thrilled to watch local hero Nick Kyrgios storm to victory in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open on Wednesday night, many were more captivated by the chair umpire.
Kyrgios’ infamous temper saw him docked a point for smashing two racquets and conduct a match-long argument with Serbian umpire Marijana Veljovic over the netcord let sensor.
The World No. 47 argued with Veljovic, claiming that serves that was passing well over the net were triggering the net sensor and demanding the device be reset or turned off.
Despite the ongoing row, Kyrgios stormed to victory against Frenchman Ugo Humbert and will progress to the fourth round.
Chair umpire Marijana Veljovic working on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on September 29 2020
Kyrgios’ infamous temper saw him docked a point for smashing two racquets and conduct a match-long argument with umpire Marijana Veljovic over the netcord let sensor
Kyrgios smashed a racquet as he returned to his chair at the end of the losing first set.
‘Reset the machine, because the ball is this far off the net. Look at the replay,’ a fired up Kyrgios told the chair umpire.
Despite Kyrgios’ entertaining bad boy antics, the run-in brought fan attention to the glamorous Serbian, with fans at home tweeting about her eye-catching appearance.
‘Definitely won’t blame Kyrgios if he gets distracted by the umpire tonight,’ one tweet read.
‘I need nerves like Marijana Veljovic …she gives me EVERYTHING I NEED as a Chair Umpire!,’ another said.
‘Good win by Nick Kyrgios but the standout by a mile in the match was chair umpire Marijana Veljovic. Unflappable,’ one fan added.
Last night’s nail-biting showdown wasn’t the first time Veljovic (pictured) has caused a stir among tennis fans
Stunning Serbian umpire Marijana Veljovic (pictured during the match on Wednesday night) caught the attention of tennis fans
Veljovic (pictured, right) was praised on social media for standing up to world’s most famous tennis player, in addition to winning over a few admirers who could not keep their eyes off the 33-year-old official
‘More footage showing the umpire please instead of Humbert vs Kyrgios match!’
And last night’s nail-biting showdown wasn’t the first time Veljovic has caused a stir among tennis fans.
The 34-year-old squared off with Roger Federer during a tense five-set match against American Tennys Sandgren at last year’s Australian Open.
The Serb called a code violation on Federer for an ‘audible obscenity’, after a lineswoman heard him let out an ‘R-rated German word.’
A fuming Federer was seen arguing with a calm and collected Veljovic, who ultimately refused to back down on her call.
Chair umpire Marijana Veljovic working on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on September 29 last year
The 34-year-old squared off with Roger Federer during a tense five-set match against American Tennys Sandgren at last year’s Australian Open
Veljovic was praised on social media for standing up to world’s most famous tennis player, in addition to winning over a few admirers who could not keep their eyes off the 33-year-old official.
‘I’m watching the Federer/Sandgren match, and the chair umpire Marijana Veljovic looking so pretty. Not gonna lie… I’ll watch the game for her!’ a fan tweeted.
‘The best thing about this Federer-Sandgren match is Marijana Veljovic,’ said another.
‘Nick Kyrgios always requests Melbourne Arena when playing. I’d just request Marijana Veljovic. My favourite chair person.’
In 2018, she spoke about being one of the few women who officiate the sport.
‘Whether you are a girl or a guy, if you do well and they think you are good enough to do the biggest matches, it feels amazing that our sport is allowing us that,’ she said.
Kyrgios defeated Humbert 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 on Wednesday night at Melbourne Park in round two of the Australian Open.
Despite Kyrgios’ entertaining bad boy antics, the run-in brought fan attention to the glamorous Serbian, with fans at home tweeting about her eye-catching appearance
Kyrgios’ infamous temper saw him docked a point for smashing two racquets and conduct a match-long argument with umpire Marijana Veljovic (pictured, left) over the netcord let sensor