ZCZC
BSP-06
TENNIS-AUS-OPEN-SHAPOVALOV
Fuming Shapovalov slams ‘terrible call’ in Australian Open upset
MELBOURNE, Jan 20, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Feisty Canadian Denis Shapovalov was
sent packing from the Australian Open in the first round Monday after an epic
row with the umpire for throwing his racquet in frustration.
The world number 13 was beaten 6-3, 7-6 (9/7), 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) by Hungarian
Marton Fucsovics in a big upset on day one of the first Grand Slam of the
year.
Considered one of the new generation who could challenge the Big Three of
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the 20-year-old lost the plot
after being crushed in the third set.
The umpire warned him for throwing down his racquet and it didn’t go down
well with the temperamental Canadian.
“I’m not breaking any rules,” he 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,” he added.
“If I broke it, give me a code, 100 percent. I didn’t break my racquet. It
was a terrible call, do your job.”
Shapovalov, who crashed out of the Auckland Classic last week to a
qualifier, never really got going with his emotions getting the better of
him.
It was a setback for the Canadian, who enjoyed a strong finish to a topsy-
turvy 2019 season which featured his maiden ATP title in Stockholm. He also
made the Paris Masters final, losing to Djokovic.
World number 67 Fucsovics, who was bundled out in the second round at
Melbourne Park last year, said he played some of his best tennis.
“I was hitting the ball really well, I like it here. I played some of my
best tennis today. Everything was working,” he said.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1052 hrs