"Should be a zero-tolerance rule ASAP" - Journalist incensed by Alex Michelsen avoiding default despite hitting spectator in Winston-Salem Open final

Journalist Ben Rothenberg criticized the decision to allow Alex Michelsen to continue playing after he accidentally hit a spectator with the ball. Michelsen faced Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego Winston-Salem Open final.

The incident occurred during the first set, with Sonego leading 3-0 at 40-30. During the rally in the fourth game, Michelsen's shot landed out, due to which Sonego won the game. In a fit of anger, the American threw a ball, unintentionally striking a spectator in the stands.

Michelsen appeared tense upon realizing this and immediately held his ear as a gesture of apology towards the fan who was struck by the ball. The fan later reassured the chair umpire that she was fine. After warning the 20-year-old for his misconduct, the umpire allowed him to continue playing the final.

In light of the incident, tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg criticized the umpire's decision and called for a zero-tolerance policy. He explained that these actions could pose a serious threat to spectators, watching from the stands. Rothenberg shared Tennis TV's clip on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

"Players launching balls into the crowd is a serious danger to spectators and there should be a zero-tolerance rule adapted for it ASAP. Getting lucky about where it hits should not be enough to escape a major penalty or default. An example should be set."

A similar incident occurred earlier this year when Terence Atmane accidentally hit a spectator while facing Sebastian Ofner in the first round at the French Open. Consequently, the match was stopped for nearly fifteen minutes. However, after a warning from the umpire, the Frenchman was allowed to continue.

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Alex Michelsen faced a one-side defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in the Winston-Salem Open final

TENNIS: AUG 06 National Bank Open - Source: Getty

Alex Michelsen suffered a straight-set defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in the Winston-Salem Open final. The American struggled from the start, failing to win a single game in the first set. He couldn’t recover in the second, ultimately falling 0-6, 3-6 to the Italian and missing out on the ATP 250 title

Sonego had a challenging North American swing, with early exits at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open. However, he ended the lead-up to the US Open on a positive note by winning his first tour title in nearly two years. Additionally, he became the 11th active player to win titles on outdoor hard, indoor hard, clay, and grass surfaces.

"It's a crazy week for me, for my team for my family," Sonego said. "I brought my game every day. I'm really proud of myself. I will enjoy this moment with my team and then I'll start to think about the US Open," Sonego told the press after winning the final (via ATP Tour).

While Michelsen starts his US Open campaign against compatriot Eliot Spizzirri on Tuesday, Sonego will face World No. 13, Tommy Paul in the first round on Wednesday, August 28.