Sonego doesn't just make friends: "He hasn't shown great sportsmanship".

© AFP

Elio Valotto

le 23/07/2024 à 12h06

1 min to read

Poljicak Sonego Umag

Lorenzo Sonego gave himself a real scare on Monday.
Entering the Umag tournament, the Italian was almost trapped by a stunning Mili Poljicak.

In fact, the Croatian, ranked 481st in the world and invited by the organizers, played a full match, coming within a point of the feat.

In an extremely physical match, Sonego eventually came through, saving two match points (6-2, 6-7, 7-6 in 3h16).

Questioned at the press conference, the defeated player of the day had some kind words for his tormentor.

Indeed, as the tie-break of the last set was being played, the world number 54 called in the physio (at 4-2 to his disadvantage).

Defeated, Poljicak seemed to have a hard time digesting this fact of play: "The timing... He didn't say a word throughout the match and, at 4-2 in the tie-break, he takes a minute to call the physio.

It was cramp and you can't be treated for that.
I too had the beginnings of a cramp in one leg, but I didn't cry, I didn't say anything to anyone and I held on.

He didn't show great sportsmanship today, but in the end he won, and I can only congratulate him.

At the end, he told me he was sorry, but it's not like I slap someone and then tell them I'm sorry, it doesn't work like that."