“I Can Do Whatever the H*** I Want”: Denis Shapovalov Fumes at Umpire at Australian Open 2020

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.”

Also Read: “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.

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.

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.