Sloane Stephens has wondered whether umpire Greg Allensworth will serve a ban at the US Open over the controversial ending to Jack Draper’s win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Cincinnati. Allensworth sided with the British tennis star at match point over what has been dubbed one of the most contentious shots in history.

Draper attempted a drop-shot to defeat Auger-Aliassime at match point. Replays showed that the ball bounced twice before the 23-year-old retrieved it and sent it back over the net. Draper insisted that he was unsure whether the ball had bounced twice.

Allensworth sided with Draper and handed him the point, with Auger-Aliassime exiting the Cincinnati Open under controversial circumstances. The decision has prompted debate among the tennis community, with several stars giving their views.

US ace Stephens suggested Allensworth should be punished over the episode, and wondered whether a ban from the US Open would suffice. The 31-year-old said she was ‘genuinely curious’ to find out what consequences he would face.

“What consequences does the chair umpire face? This is 2 incidents in 2 tournaments for the same umpire,” Stephens posted on X.

“Does he go on probation? No year end bonus? Can’t work the next grand slam? Fine? I’m genuinely curious.”

Draper insisted he was unsure whether the ball had bounced twice because he was looking at Auger-Aliassime.

“I was too busy looking at him,” said the British No 1. “I didn’t see what happened. I looked at the umpire straight away to see if he called a double bounce or not.

“As a player, I’m trying to focus on what I’m doing. I can’t make that call if I’m not 100 per cent.

“I said, when the supervisor came on, that if it was a double bounce and that he saw it clearly then I would have 100% replayed the point.”

Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime posted on social media: “Unfortunate ending of my tournament here in Cincinnati but I hope we find a way to deal with these situations in a more objective way going forward.

“That being said, I’m still encouraged by the level I played this week leading into the last Grand Slam of the year. Time to move on and focus on my preparation for the US Open See you in NY.”

The US Open main draw gets underway from August 26. Qualifiers started today, with several British players involved.