10 October,2024 07:49 AM IST | Shanghai | Agencies
Frances Tiafoe returns to Roman Safiullin in Shanghai yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe aimed a torrent of expletives at the chair umpire after losing a match at the Shanghai Masters.
Tiafoe targeted umpire Jimmy Pinoargote with about 10 expletives in a minute-long tirade after his 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(5) loss to 61st-ranked Roman Safiullin in a third-round match.
The ATP rule book calls for fines of $60,000 at Masters 1000 tournaments. The 17th-ranked Tiafoe was angered by being docked his first serve for a time violation at 5-5 in the decisive tie-breaker.
Also Read: Wimbledon replaces line judges with Artificial Intelligence system
ALSO READ
Sabalenka ‘fresh and ready to go’ for Aus Open
Kyrgios, Djokovic to pair up in Brisbane before Aus Open
US opens probe into Spain's reported port denials of cargo ships carrying arms to Israel
Dope issue overshadows Sinner’s Davis Cup win
Moody's credit rating upgrade for Cyprus opens door to investment, president says
Pinoargote judged that Tiafoe was not making a genuine attempt to serve when he tossed the ball in the air at the baseline. Tiafoe at first protested before continuing to play.
Two points later, the match was over and he congratulated Safiullin at the net before turning toward the umpire's chair and shouting the first expletives.
Tiafoe passed to the other side of the net toward his chair and shouted that the umpire had messed up the match.
Later, Tiafoe posted an apology on social media, calling his reaction "not acceptable behaviour" and writing: "That is not who I am and not how I ever want to treat people. I let my frustration in the heat of the moment get the best of me and I'm extremely disappointed with how I handled the situation."
Novak Djokovic continued his pursuit of a 100th tour-level title with an impressive 6-1, 6-2 win over Flavio Cobolli at the Shanghai Masters, advancing to the fourth round.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever