WATCH: Tennis Player Defaulted From ATP Event After a Bizarre Incident Involving Ball Kid

Published 09/15/2021, 12:55 AM EDT

When it comes to rules and regulations, tennis is one of the most stringent sports out there. To keep its reputation intact, a bizarre scene transpired at the Atlantic Tire Championship Challenger event in Cary. Notably, it was the second game in the opening round between Americans, Tennys Sandgren and Christopher Eubanks.

Here’s what happened; a ball kid accidentally hit Sandgren below the waist when he asked for the service ball. Naturally, he felt a bit of frustration despite being already a break ahead in the match.

At one minute and 20 seconds, the video captured Sandgren getting hurt by the incoming ball. However, in retort, he swung the ball blindly and hit the linesperson on the backside. Accordingly, the tournament authorities decided to default him.

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Tennys Sangren takes responsibility for his actions

Last year, Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic defaulted from the US Open when he accidentally hit a linesperson on her throat. Similarly, Sandgren paid the price in Cary.

Interestingly, Sandgren was the top seed at this event. However, by default, Christopher Eubanks moved into the second round of the Atlantic Tire Championship Challenger event.

The 30-year-old joked about his hilarious exit from the tournament on Twitter. Nevertheless, he took complete responsibility for his actions soon afterward. Sandgren wrote, “And just to be clear, this was all totally my fault.”

And just to be clear, this was all totally my fault
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) September 15, 2021

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Sandgren’s 2021 tennis season so far

Presently, Sandgren is out of the Top 100 ATP Rankings but has a career-high of 41st in the world. This year, he has accounted for 7 wins and 15 losses, excluding the recent default.

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At the US Open 2021, Tennys exited in the opening round against Belarusian Ilya Ivashka. He lost the match in straight sets 6-7 (3), 3-6, 4-6.

Following that, he went to Cary to play on the ATP Challengers Tour. However, his recent default is only a small bump on the road, and he will most likely play again soon.

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Do you think he will have a more fruitful 2022? The tennis world still awaits Sandgren’s second ATP title after 2019 Auckland.

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Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

WATCH: Tennis Player Defaulted From ATP Event After a Bizarre Incident Involving Ball Kid

Tennys Sangren takes responsibility for his actions

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