French Open 2024: Denis Shapovalov smashes racket into his own head in moment of rage

Tennis star Denis Shapovalov loses his cool and shatters his racket against his head in his game against Hubert Hurkacz at the French Open 2024. The Canadian, who had defeated Frances Tiafoe and Luca Van Assche in his opening two rounds, faced off against Hurkacz in the third round of the Roland Garros and suffered a humiliating defeat.

Hurkacz grabbed an early lead, dominating the first set six games to three as the Pole raced ahead. Shapovalov frequently criticised the weather in Paris, showing his obvious irritation with both his play and the worsening conditions.

Shapovalov was on the edge of collapse in the first set when he failed to break Hurkacz at 4-3. Hurkacz saved the point by smashing his racket over his own head twice, but he was unable to manage his anger after missing two terrific chances at the court.

Speaking about the game here,Shapovalov produced a better match and led six games to five when the match was again delayed due to bad weather.

His tantrum was only a few hours after Andrey Rublev suffered a similar breakdown in the midst of his unexpected loss to Matteo Arnaldi, who beat the Russian in straight sets. After the match, Rublev repeatedly struck himself in the leg, kicked his bench, yelled at his box, and cracked his racket. However, he then apologised for his actions.

I think it was the first time I ever behaved that bad. Not much to say: Rublev

"Completely disappointed with myself the way I behaved, the way I performed, and I don't remember behaving worse on a Slam ever," said Rublev. "I think it was the first time I ever behaved that bad. Not much to say."

Hubert Hurkacz vs Denis Shapovalov head-to-head

Hubert Hurkaczand Denis Shapovalov have faced off five times in professional competition. Hurkacz currently leads their head-to-head 4-1 and won their previous encounter at the 2023 Australian Open in a five-set epic.

Hubert Hurkacz vs Denis Shapovalov odds