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'So disrespectful': Fans erupt over 'repulsive' Australian Open moment

Bianca Andreescu, pictured here in action at the Australian Open.
Bianca Andreescu was knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round. Image: Getty

Fans have savaged TV commentators at the Australian Open for their ‘repulsive’ treatment of Taiwanese veteran Hsieh Su-wei.

Hsieh pulled off a stunning victory over World No.9 Bianca Andreescu on Wednesday, beating the former US Open champion 6-3, 6-2.

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Playing in her first tournament in 15 months, Andreescu’s comeback from injury stalled when she became the latest top-10 player to be beaten by crafty veteran Hsieh.

And while the 35-year-old Hsieh played out of her skin, all the commentators could talk about was Andreescu.

Fans lashed out on social media, claiming the Taiwanese player wasn’t given nearly enough credit.

“This commentator needs to give credit to Hsieh, she’s outplayed Andreescu!” one fan wrote.

“The disrespect of Hsieh is repulsive.”

Another tweeted: “I don’t get why commentators never give Hsieh Su-wei the credit she deserves. P*sses me off.”

Andreescu falls in first tournament since 2019

Andreescu beat Serena Williams in the final at the 2019 US Open, but sat out all of 2020 due to a knee injury.

Seeded eighth, the 20-year-old Canadian seemed befuddled by the 35-year-old Hsieh's unorthodox game, which includes a two-handed forehand and an unpredictable mix of pace and placement.

It didn’t help that Andreescu served poorly, losing 17 of 23 points on her second serve.

Su-Wei Hsieh, pictured here after beating Bianca Andreescu at the Australian Open.
Su-Wei Hsieh celebrates after beating Bianca Andreescu at the Australian Open. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

She was broken six times and fell to 1-3 in the second round at grand slams, with the lone win coming during her run to the US Open title.

Hsieh is ranked 71st and has a history of inconsistency.

But she’s 8-2 against top 10 players, including two wins over the reigning World No. 1 - Simona Halep at Wimbledon in 2018, and Naomi Osaka at Miami in 2019.

“It’s strange - I normally feel more excited to play with better players,” Hsieh said.

with Associated Press

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