Matteo Berrettini was called for a violation during his US Open quarterfinals match against Gael Monfils after the chair umpire saw his coach sharing advice during the match.
Berrettini had just broken Monfils to go up 4-2 in the fifth set and was getting prepared to serve. That’s when the umpire apparently saw some coaching from Vincenzo Santopadre and called a violation.
It’s unclear exactly what Santopadre did to earn the violation in that instance, but he had been giving Berrettini directions and signals using his hands at points during the match.
I guess this ump isn't even looking at the players' boxes for coaching anymore#USOpen pic.twitter.com/ARuobUJ2Md
— WTA Tea (@WTATea) September 4, 2019
ESPN’s commentators noted it was the third coaching violation given out on the men’s side of the tournament this year. Berrettini was up 5-2 in the set after holding serve to win that game, but he allowed Monfils to rally back and tie things at five.
The violation being called caused many to recall what happened with Serena Williams last year, who was called for the same violation and lost her mind, leading to a huge meltdown and major controversy. Rather than flip out on the umpire and blame him, Berrettini kept playing and won the game.
