Umpire Mohamed Lahyani will continue to officiate at the US Open following his intervention during the second-round match involving Nick Kyrgios on Thursday.
Lahyani came down from his chair during the second set of the Australian’s match against Pierre-Hugues Herbert to urge greater effort from Kyrgios.
He was heard to say: “I want to help you. I want to help you. I’ve seen your matches: you’re great for tennis. Nick, I know this is not you.”
NEWS: Kyrgios through after umpire intervention
Kyrgios went on to win the match and Lahyani’s unusual intervention provoked widespread criticism from the likes of Roger Federer and former champion Mats Wilander, as well as Herbert himself.
The Frenchman said he was “angry”, adding: “When we players are making mistakes on court we are sanctioned.”
However, a tournament statement on Friday said Lahyani’s conduct “went beyond protocol. Lahyani was advised to adhere to proper protocols in all matches that he officiates moving forward.”
Very happy about decision from the @usta to let umpire #Layani continue doing his job ! ( please stay on the chair ) @usopen
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) August 31, 2018
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