“I Can Do Whatever the H*** I Want”: Denis Shapovalov Fumes at Umpire at Australian Open 2020
Follow Us
Next-generation star Denis Shapovalov was involved in a heated exchange with the chair umpire for throwing his racquet during his first-round loss at the Australian Open 2020. However, why was the Canadian unhappy with the umpire’s decision of giving him a code of violation?
In one of the biggest upsets on day 1 of the Australian Open 2020, Shapovalov was sent packing by the World No. 67 Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) in Melbourne on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It was a terrible call”: Denis Shapovalov
After losing the first set, the 20-year-old levelled back the match at 1-set all, winning the second set in a tight tiebreaker. However, a frustrated Shapovalov threw his racquet into the court after he was broken in the third game of the third set. Subsequently, the umpire warned him for throwing down his racquet and it didn’t go down well with the feisty Canadian.
(🎥@Eurosport_RU ) pic.twitter.com/ZMO83oPiLq
— doublefault28 (@doublefault28) January 20, 2020
“I’m not breaking any rules,” Shapovalov shouted at the official. “It’s my racquet, I can do whatever the hell I want with it. What are you talking about! I didn’t break it.”
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
‘Have Him F**King Walk Out with Rafa’- Andy Roddick Imagines Emotional Scenario That Brings Roger Federer Together with His Beloved Rival
April 24, 2024 12:02 PM EDT
‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence
February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST
Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance
April 23, 2024 04:07 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He further yelled, “If I broke it, give me a code, 100 percent. I didn’t break my racquet. It was a terrible call, do your job.”
best part of this was he changing his racket after playing one point lmao pic.twitter.com/ZeFrPokcBY
— bo3 king (@zverevss) January 20, 2020
“I Don’t Want to Risk My Life” – Denis Shapovalov Hits Out at Australian Open 2020 Playing Conditions
“I don’t think what I did was wrong”: Shapovalov
Shapovalov certainly lost the plot after the game as he lost 4 consecutive games and was broken twice to lose the set 6-1. It looked like the row with the chair umpire affected Shapovalov’s focus as he could not get back into the match.
He was absolutely furious about receiving a code violation for throwing but not breaking his racquet. “I don’t think what I did was wrong at all. I think it’s horrible. I’m going to get fined. He makes a call because he feels like it,” Shapovalov said in the post-match press conference.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What does the rule say?
According to the rules, a player shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts the vicinity of the event.
Furthermore, a violation of this rule shall subject a player to a fine up to $20,000 for each violation. In addition, if such violation occurs during a match the player could also be penalised with a point penalty.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Abuse of racquets or equipment is defined as intentionally and violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment. It is also described as intentionally and violently hitting the net, court, umpire’s chair or other fixture
during a match in anger or frustration.