Spanish Davis Cup team captain David Ferrer thought chair umpire Roberto Ranieri was allowing Holger Rune too much and he made sure to let umpireRoberto Ranieri hear it.
After losing the opening two matches but completing a big comeback in the doubles rubber, Spain needed Pedro Martinez to upset Rune to further stay alive and force a fifth and deciding match. Although Martinez entered as the underdog, he made a strong start and took the opener before the world No. 11 managed to send the match into a third set.
During the third set, the 2022 Paris Masters champion complained about cramps - asked for a treatment - and received one. But that didn't sit well with Ferrer at all, who thought that umpire Ranieri went over the rules by allowing a treatment to the 22-year-old Dane.
He comes to me saying something. Dont even think about saying anything to me! Because Im speaking in Spanish, and you understand me perfectly! Ferrer was heard saying.
Ferrer and his team's efforts ultimately paid off
After the incident, Rune led 5-3 and had a match point to seal a win over Martinez but also book Denmark a Davis Cup Final 8 ticket. But then, Martinez stunningly stormed back to win 6-1 4-6 7-6 (3). In the deciding match, Pablo Carreno Busta made light work of Elmer Moeller 6-2 6-3 to complete Spain's epic comeback.
Meanwhile, Rune was also unhappy with umpire Renieri and didn't shake his hands after the match.
"He doesnt deserve that. Its pretty clear with so many mistakes. I dont think it was very good work. So I dont think he deserved it," the 11th-ranked Danish tennis player said of not shaking hands with the umpire.
