Shapovalov Breaks Silence on DC Open Default, Calls for Better Fan Protection

Shapovalov Breaks Silence on DC Open Default, Calls for Better Fan Protection

Denis Shapovalov, the former world No. 10, has broken his silence after being defaulted from the quarterfinals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open on Friday. In a statement posted to his social media accounts, Shapovalov expressed his shock and disappointment over the decision, which he believes was unfair.

Shapovalov was match point down, trailing Ben Shelton 6-3 in the second-set tiebreaker, when he was issued a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. The tournament supervisor was called to court and the decision was made to default the 25-year-old from the match.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) later ruled that Shapovalov would retain the points and prize money earned from his week in Washington, D.C., but would have to pay a $36,400 fine. Shapovalov expressed his gratitude for the reinstatement of his points and prize money but disagreed with the hefty fine.

“I must state however that I do not agree with the hefty fine I was given, which is more than half the prize money earned last week, and will continue to fight that,” Shapovalov wrote.

Shapovalov also called for better rules to protect players from abusive fans. “We all work extremely hard—our tennis careers are our lives and should not be derailed by unnecessary, subjective ruling,” he said.

Despite the disappointment of the default, Shapovalov thanked his fans and fellow players for their support. He will be back on court for his home tournament, the Omnium Banque Nationale in Montréal.

Denis Shapovalov Defaulted from DC Open After Altercation with Fan

Denis Shapovalov Defaulted from DC Open After Altercation with Fan

Denis Shapovalov’s Mubadala Citi DC Open campaign came to an abrupt end on Friday night when he was defaulted from his quarterfinal match against Ben Shelton. The incident occurred in the second-set tiebreaker, with Shapovalov trailing by a set and 6-3.

After hitting a backhand into the net, Shapovalov threw his racquet to the ground and exchanged words with a fan in the stands. The chair umpire issued a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, prompting an ATP supervisor to be called to the court.

Shapovalov argued that the fan had provoked him, but the supervisor did not accept his explanation. Despite being down three match points, Shelton was awarded the match when Shapovalov was defaulted.

This is not the first time Shapovalov has been defaulted from a match. In 2017, he was defaulted from a Davis Cup match after hitting a ball that struck the umpire in the eye.

The incident has sparked debate about the subjectivity of the rules and the potential for abuse. Some commentators have argued that the supervisor’s decision was too harsh, while others have defended the decision, citing the need to maintain order and respect on the court.

Shapovalov’s default is a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and professionalism. While it is understandable that players may experience frustration and anger during matches, it is crucial to maintain composure and respect for opponents, officials, and fans.

Andrey Rublev Defaults from Dubai Tennis Championships Amidst Controversy

Andrey Rublev Defaults from Dubai Tennis Championships Amidst Controversy

Andrey Rublev’s controversial default from the Dubai Tennis Championships has sparked a heated debate about sportsmanship and fair play. The Russian star was accused of using an obscenity in his native tongue while screaming at a line judge during his semifinal match against Alexander Bublik.

Despite Rublev’s denial and insistence that he spoke in English, the chair umpire defaulted him based on the accusation of a Russian-speaking official. Bublik, who had come back from a set down to lead 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5, was left bewildered and expressed his willingness to continue the match.

Rublev has since apologized for his behavior, acknowledging that it was unacceptable to raise his voice at an official. However, he also expressed frustration over being accused of using words he did not say. “I was being accused of things I didn’t do. Of the words that I didn’t say,” he said.

The ATP initially stripped Rublev of his Dubai ranking points and prize money, but after a successful appeal, he was allowed to keep both. However, he was fined $36,400 for his actions.

The incident has raised questions about the fairness of the default rule and the need for clear communication between players and officials. Rublev’s case highlights the importance of respecting the authority of umpires while also ensuring that players are treated fairly.

Rublev Wins Appeal, Keeps Dubai Points and Prize Money

Rublev Wins Appeal, Keeps Dubai Points and Prize Money

Andrey Rublev Retains Dubai Championships Points and Prize Money After Appeal

Andrey Rublev has successfully appealed his default from the Dubai Championships semifinals, resulting in the retention of his ranking points and prize money, albeit with a $36,400 fine.

The incident occurred during Rublev’s match against Alexander Bublik on Friday. After a point was awarded to Bublik at 6-5 in the third set, Rublev reacted aggressively towards a line judge, prompting the chair umpire to issue a default.

According to ATP regulations, a player who is defaulted from a match forfeits all money and ranking points earned in that event. However, the ATP ruled that the customary penalties in this case would be disproportionate.

The appeal process involved testimonies from Rublev, officials, and a review of video and audio materials. The ATP determined that Rublev’s actions, while unsportsmanlike, did not warrant the severe punishment of a default.

“The ATP believes that the customary penalties associated with a default … would be disproportionate in this case,” the tour said in a statement.

Rublev will still face a $36,400 fine for the code violation he received for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The decision to uphold Rublev’s points and prize money is a significant victory for the Russian player. It allows him to maintain his ranking and avoid a financial penalty that could have impacted his future earnings.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart