A gesture of humor that costs a lot! During the match between him and Stefano Napolitano as part of the Master 1000 qualifications in Shanghai, Marc Polmans saw his game end more quickly than expected. While the 104th in the world is on the verge of winning the match he was leading 7-6 (3), 7-6 (6-5), the tennis player misses his volley and, mad with rage, hits the ball which lands completely straight…into the referee’s head!
Immediately, the player goes to apologize for his involuntary and unfortunate action, but too late, the damage is done, the player is disqualified. Enough to leave a bitter taste for the Australian who was heading straight towards the big picture. This improbable scenario therefore allowed his opponent, Stefano Napolitano, 253rd in the world, to win the match.
A real emotional lift for Marc Polmans who therefore had the match ball at the end of his racket in the tie-break of the second set. Unfortunately, the frustration got the better of the player’s mentality and he could also face a heavy sanction.
This gesture echoes that of Denis Shapovalov, during the Davis Cup in 2017, also disqualified after sending the ball into the referee’s eye. The Canadian was fined $7,000 (around 6,500 euros). In such a case, financial penalties can reach up to $12,000 (€11,400). The player’s immediate apology reduced the amount of the fine.
2023-10-03 13:22:00
#misses #match #point #loses #nerve #aims #referee #astonishing #disqualification #Marc #Polmans
