Nick Kyrgios pep-talk gate: Umpire went ‘beyond protocol’, but no sanction
Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani will continue to officiate at the 2018 US Open despite going “beyond protocol” during the Nick Kyrgios Pierre-Hugues Herbert match.
The Swedish official caused a stir on Thursday when he gave Kyrgios a pep talk during the second-round match at Flushing Meadows.
Lahyani climbed off his chair and told the Australian “I want to help you”, adding, “this isn’t you. I know that. You are great for tennis.”
The incident immediately caused an uproar on social media, but Lahyani has escaped sanction.
A statement from the US Tennis Association read: “After a comprehensive review conducted by US Open officials, including US Open Tournament Director David Brewer, Tournament Referee Brian Earley and others, the US Open determined that chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani’s conduct during Thursday’s second-round match involving Nick Kyrgios and Pierre-Hugues Herbert went beyond protocol. Lahyani was advised to adhere to proper protocols in all matches that he officiates moving forward.
“Lahyani will continue to officiate during the 2018 US Open. His performance will continue to be evaluated, as will that of all chair umpires throughout the course of the US Open.”
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