Zhang Shuai sent a classy message on the pitch by the Ukrainian after beating his rival which sparked fury

Ukrainian tennis star Kateryna Baindl sent a classy message to Zhang Shuai after beating Amarissa Kiara Toth in Budapest. Zhang had retired from her match against Toth in the previous round after what she perceived as unfair treatment from her opponent and the referee.

Zhang had called for a review of a shot she believed the linesman had called wrongly. But in a shocking move, Toth was seen trying to erase the mark on the pitch left by the ball.

The Chinese veteran argued with the referee for several minutes and appeared to ask the tournament officials for their judgment. But after seeing Toth erase the mark with his shoe, Zhang fumed, "Wait, wait, wait, keep the mark!" What are you doing? Why would you do that?"

Toth responded by saying, "Because you make trouble, that's why."

Zhang was visibly distressed and ended up retiring, giving Toth a surprise. But the Hungarian was rewarded when she was beaten by Baindl in her home tournament.

After beating Toth 6-3 6-1, Baindl used his on-court interview to say, "I just want to say I hope they can keep it fair and Shuai Zhang is feeling better and I hope she is better and we see her again soon," Baindl said.

"She's an amazing player, very respectful and a great person. There's a lot to learn from her. I guess we should all be respectful to each other no matter what."

Zhang, the world number 28 and second seed of the tournament, left the field under the mockery. Baindl referenced this in his interview, asking for fairness to be restored.

LEARN MORE Wimbledon ace banned for 18 months gets backing from angry Casper Ruud

Zhang, 34, then said, "All the training efforts were wrong, because when you wanted to hit closer to the line, you even hit the line, but you still called OUT. I love you guys and all the girls who support me and stand by my side."

Toth, meanwhile, denied her actions were wrong despite strong condemnation from the tennis world. The 20-year-old said Zhang had "made trouble for herself".

She said, "I don't understand why she made such a fuss about it, that she wanted to overturn the judge's decision. I don't understand why she didn't accept it, but she got herself in trouble."