WATCH: Denis Shapovalov handed shock default from Citi Open QF for swearing at spectator despite Ben Shelton's pleas to continue play
Denis Shapovalov and Ben Shelton's blockbuster quarterfinal clash at the 2024 Citi Open in Washington ended in controversy when the Canadian was defaulted from the tournament for swearing at a heckling spectator. Despite Shelton's efforts to argue on the Canadian's behalf, the supervisor refused to budge from his decision.
With a place in the semifinals of the ATP 500 event at stake, Shapovalov and Shelton engaged in a closely contested battle in Washington. The American narrowly edged past Shapovalov to clinch the opening set 7-6(5) and went on to hold match point in the second set tiebreak.
Frustrated with finding himself on the brink of a loss, the Canadian repeatedly threw his racket on the court. The 25-year-old also engaged in a heated confrontation with a fan who was heckling him from the stands, swearing at the spectator during the tense exchange.
Denis Shapovalov faced harsh consequences for the incident, as the chair umpire handed him a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct and summoned the ATP supervisor to the court.
Shapovalov argued that his reaction was provoked by the fan's taunts, asserting that he was entitled to "tell him off." The Canadian urged the chair umpire to issue a code violation without involving the supervisor. However, the umpire refused to reconsider and relayed the incident to the supervisor once he arrived on court.
"Yes I can. Give me a code but don't call the supervisor. He's talking to me, I'm going to tell him off. That's not fair," Shapovalov said.
A lengthy discussion ensued, with Ben Shelton also insisting that play should continue, disclosing that he had also heard the spectator provoking Shapovalov. Nevertheless, the supervisor didn't budge and defaulted the Candian from the tournament.
Shelton seemed displeased with the manner in which he advanced to the semifinals, as he argued with the supervisor and commiserated with the 25-year-old during the post-match handshake. Shapovalov also displayed his frustration, lashing out at the supervisor for the "unfair" decision.
Ben Shelton to take on Flavio Cobolli in Citi Open SF after Denis Shapovalov's default from QF clash
Ben Shelton's decision to skip the 2024 Paris Olympics in order to "get ready" for the upcoming US Open is paying off, as the American has made a strong start to the North American hardcourt swing.
Following Denis Shapovalov's default from their quarterfinal clash at the Citi Open, Ben Shelton will battle it out against Flavio Cobolli for a spot in the final. Cobolli claimed a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(2) win over Alex Michelson to book his place against the second seed.
On the other side of the draw, Sebastian Korda advanced to the semifinals by defeating Jordan Thompson 6-4, 6-2. He will take on the winner of the match between Andrey Rublev and Frances Tiafoe for a place in the title clash.