It took an unfortunate hit on the noggin in a neck-and-neck match to come to the final verdict. We have seen Serena Williams and umpires’ bitter-sweet relationship in the past. Serena is often found at loggerheads amid controversies involving the two. A similar controversy from an unfortunate event took place in Shanghai. It resulted in a major setback for 26-year-old South African-born Australian player Marc David Polmans. This time, Serena’s ex-coach, leans her shoulder to her countryman.

The incident took place at the Shanghai Masters qualifiers where Marc Polmans was facing the Italian Stefano Napolitano on Tuesday (October 3). The scoreline was in favor of Polmans 7-6,6-6 (6-5) in a nail-biting match. The victory would have taken the Australian to the main draw of the ATP 1000 event for the first time. But the headlines were made by that unfortunate event which took place right at the time when everyone thought the match was over.

 Serena Williams’ ex-coach, gives moral support to Cult Aussie, Marc Polmans

The Australian was in the driving seat when he came down towards the net to attempt a volley, which he couldn’t execute properly. As a result, he got frustrated and smacked the rebound ball. Unfortunately, the rebound hit the chair umpire, Ben Anderson. As a result, he was disqualified immediately.

An attempt to hit the ball out of the court resulted in taking him out of the competition. He might now lose both prize money and ranking points which he had picked during the qualifying tournament.

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When everyone was turning their back, his compatriot and Serena Williams‘ ex-coach Rennae Stubbs came to his rescue. “Polmans is literally the nicest young man U could meet, in ur life! He’s kind, thoughtful, works his a** off & is a gentleman, if I had a daughter, I’d want her 2 marry him! He made a TERRIBLE mistake & he’ll live with it forever but don’t judge him on that one act, Please“, she said in her tweet.

Her disappointment and compassion towards Polmans reflected in her words. Stubbs added that it was truly a horrendous moment. She also asked people not to judge this poor kid with just one incident. Polmans himself might have been more gutted than anyone else.

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“The Hat” releases an apology for his unforced error

The angry young man was quick to realize his mistake and issue an apology. “An update from me – the umpire, Ben, has accepted my apology for my actions – he knows it was unintentional and I shanked the ball on the frame in frustration in the heat of the moment. We both move on. It was a high-pressure situation and I should have reacted better. I look forward to shouting Ben a coffee next time we meet,” he wrote in his Instagram story.

The heat of the moment can even disrupt a calm and composed young lad. Fans often get carried away with what they see without diving deep into the matter. Everyone makes mistakes in life. But having someone like Rennae, on your side is good to bail you out of punishments severe than the sin. Serena Williams had her ex-coach in her corner, now Polmans experiences the same from his fellow countryman.

Do you think the apology could save Polmans from what could have been a severe punishment? Let us know in the comment box.

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