Marton Fucsovics had something to say after an incident in his match against Sebastian Baez at the 2023 Lyon Open.
After a match marked by controversy and tensions, the highest-ranked Hungarian player on the ATP Tour, has apologized for his conduct during the first round of the 2023 Lyon Open against his 22-year-old Argentinian opponent.
The match, which ended in Baez's who won 6-4, 7-6(5), was marred by accusations and a heated exchange between the two players. Fucsovics confronted Baez during one of the changeovers. The Hungarian questioned the young player's age, sarcastically implying his behavior was more fitting of a 12-year-old.
He accused Baez, and other young players like him, of unfair conduct on the court, including excessive celebration and loud outbursts. Fucsovics was particularly critical of Baez's habit of shouting 'Vamos' for every point he missed, describing it as "screaming like a b*tch.
"Acting like a 12-year-old. These f*cking young 20-year-old guys. Not that he is the only one. Playing so unfair. Vamos for every point I miss, screaming like a b*tch."
Following the match, Fucsovics turned to social media to apologize for his behavior. He acknowledged that he used inappropriate language in the heat of the moment and expressed regret for his actions. The Hungarian also made it clear that he always prioritizes fair play, irrespective of the match outcome.
"I would like to apologize for the way I behaved on my match today. In the heat of the moment I used words that I shouldn't have. As most of you know I always played with fairplay eventhough I win or lose the match. I might be an older generation, where we (players) respect each other and beat each other with TENNIS."
The Hungarian will want to forget the incident and focus on his next tournament. That's the 2023 Roland Garros where he was drawn against Hugo Grenier in the first round, with a possible second-round match-up against the 22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.