WATCH: Dan Evans fumes at the umpire over a controversial call during the first-round match against Fabio Fognini

Dan Evans and Fabio Fognini (Via Imago)

The Italian Open first-round match between Dan Evans and Fabio Fognini saw a controversial moment in the most crucial of times. Once again, an umpire was involved in a wrong call, as both players argued over a shot.

The match was quite interesting as both the players pushed each other until the third set. With a set each, they went to the third set.

However, Fognini got off to a great start with an early break. His opponent was on the verge of breaking right back but lost the opportunity over a wrong call from the umpire.

Fognini had hit the ball wide, which looked like it went out. The point was given to the Italian, but upon being asked to check, the umpire came down and saw a ball mark, which was on the line. Based on that, he held his decision.

However, the argument continued, as Evans accused the umpire of checking the wrong print of the ball. Even Fabio Fognini pointed at the wrong mark and agreed with the umpire. Evans continued to argue but had to give in eventually. The Hawkeye showed the opposite, that the ball went out.

Fognini is the WORST opponent to have in that situation.

Commented a fan on X, as the video of the controversial moment was released.

Soon others also joined in to flood the comment sections with their trolls on the umpire and the Italian.

Fans react to the controversial first-round match between Fabio Fognini and Dan Evans

This year, Hawkeye has replaced the tennis line judges in many tournaments. However, in the clay courts, the umpires continue to judge the ball on the line mark, and line judges do not use technology. As expected, there many been many wrong calls that have been costly for the player.
Fabio Fognini(Via Imago)
This time Dan Evans had to pay the price. He lost a crucial break point due to a wrong call and eventually lost the match against the Italian. Fans were also furious as a wave of reaction took over the X comment section.

With that win, Fognini advanced to the next round of his home tournament and will play American pro-Taylor Fritz in the second round. Another exciting match for the Italian, who would look to cause an upset in the tournament.