There were strange scenes during the Australian Open third-round match between former US Open champion Sloane Stephens and Anna Kalinskaya.
In another upset, the Russian overcame Stephens in two hours and 45 minutes with a three-set victory, 6-7(8) 6-1 6-4.
But not before multiple exchanges between Stephens and the chair umpire with the umpire persistently telling Stephens to get a hurry on.
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Things came to head during the break between the second and third set, with Stephens looking particularly lethargic in the second.
She was delivered a large mid-match meal from her coach’s box of sushi and two smoothies to help lift her energy.
It is certainly not the first time the American has turned to sushi during a match, but it may have been the first time she copped a code violation for eating it.
As she nibbled away on the sliced handroll, the umpire eventually ran out of patience as Stephens ran out time.
She was hit with a code violation which bemused and surprised commentators.
“The American (has) actually copped a code violation … how about this … for taking too long to eat sushi,” the commentor said.
“Unbelievable … she needed some chopsticks.”
Tennis reporter Bastien Fachan said: “She may have lost the match, but Sloane Stephens’ sushi and smoothie order will go down as one of the all-time sports power snacks.”
The power meal sort of worked with Stephens putting in an improved effort, but it did not help her get over the line, losing the final set (6-4) and the match.
While snack did not amuse the umpire, fans could see the funny side.
“Well, Sloane Stephens got California Rolled in that set,” one fan wrote on social media.
Another said: “I have to giggle… Sloane Stephens got sushi and smoothies and has started to play better. Sushi and smoothies… what a combo. The new chips and salsa, eh?”
And another wrote: “Sloane Stephens eating sushi during a match is forever etched in my mind.”
