Denis Shapovalov Calls for Better ATP Protections After Fan Abuse Incident
Denis Shapovalov urges the ATP Tour to improve player protections following his default at the Mubadala Citi DC Open due to a confrontation with a fan. He disputes the hefty fine imposed and calls for better rules against fan abuse.
Bollywood Fever: Canada’s Denis Shapovalov has called on the ATP Tour to enhance protections for players from fan abuse after being defaulted from his quarter-final match at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington last week. The incident occurred during a tense match against American Ben Shelton.
After losing the first set 7-6(5) and falling behind 6-3 in a second-set tiebreak, Shapovalov threw his racket down and engaged in a verbal exchange with a spectator, resulting in a code violation. The tournament supervisor was summoned, and Shapovalov was defaulted from the match.
Shapovalov, 25, appealed the decision, arguing that the penalty was too severe. The ATP responded on Monday, stating that the automatic loss of ranking points and prize money was disproportionate. Consequently, Shapovalov will retain the points and prize money earned last week but will still have to pay a $36,400 fine for the code violation.
Despite the favorable appeal decision, Shapovalov expressed dissatisfaction with the fine, stating, “I must state, however, that I do not agree with the hefty fine I was given, which is more than half the prize money I earned last week, and will continue to fight that.”
He emphasized the hard work and dedication of professional tennis players, adding, “We all work extremely hard – our tennis careers are our lives and we should not be derailed by unnecessary, subjective ruling. I also hope the ATP can put better rules in place for protecting players from abusive fans.”
Shapovalov’s call for action highlights the need for the ATP Tour to address fan behavior and ensure a fair and respectful environment for players, both on and off the court.
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