Ballboy disputes Young’s allegation of racist talk
One witness close to the action didn’t hear the racist comment Donald Young accused opponent Ryan Harrison of during a New York Open match this week.
Ballboy Michael Bruno gave his account of the on-court encounter to ATP investigators, after Young said in a tweet following the Monday night match he was “shocked and disappointed” to hear Harrison, a fellow American, “tell me how you really feel about me as a black tennis player.” Harrison, the world No. 43 and the tournament’s sixth seed, defeated Young in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5, in the opening round at Nassau Coliseum.
Bruno said he felt a responsibility to share what he remembered from the exchange in question, which came during a break in the first set behind the umpire’s chair. The 26-year-old ballboy painted a picture of tension that nearly turned physical, but not one with any references to race.
“I’m right there, and I didn’t hear it,” Bruno said of Young’s account, according to the New York Times. “No one heard a racial comment; no one on my side, no one on Young’s side. No racial terminology whatsoever.”
Bruno acknowledged he could have missed the comment in question, but only if Harrison had “whispered” it, which doesn’t appear to happen at any point in the footage.
The ATP announced Friday it did not find enough evidence based on its investigation to back Young’s claim, which included reviewing footage from the match and interviewing officials and per- sonnel who were present on court.
No. 2 seed Sam Querrey advanced to the New York Open semifinals, beating Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) on Friday. He will face No. 4 Adrian Mannarino, a 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 winner over Adrian Menendez-Maceiras.
Top-seeded Kevin Anderson beat Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 early Saturday and will face No. 5 Kei Nishikori, who beat Radu Albot 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.