‘They want to be like Formula 1 and football but…’ - Daniil Medvedev hits out at ATP over disqualification of Denis Shapovalov from Washington Open

The tennis fraternity has reacted to Denis Shapovalov's shocking disqualification from the Washington Open last week. Russian superstar Daniil Medvedev is the latest to criticise the ATP's harsh rules and regulations by voicing his support for Shapovalov.

The Canadian was defaulted for the way he interacted with a spectator in the stands during the quarterfinal match against Ben Shelton on August 2. Shapovalov lost the opening set and trailed 3-6 in the second set. Smelling defeat, the 25-year-old slammed his racket on the ground multiple times and was later seen engaging in a heated exchange with a fan who sent him some rude comments.

It was alleged that a frustrated Shapovalov swore at a spectator amid the tense moment, prompting the ATP supervisor to rule it as a code of conduct violation. Shapovalov and his opponent tried to convince the chair umpire that his action was provoked by a fan's comment. However, nothing worked as the match official decided to kick him out of the tournament.

Also Check: WATCH: Denis Shapovalov gets defaulted from Citi Open for swearing at a spectator during quarterfinal clash against Ben Shelton

Don't know where they are going: Medvedev slams ATP

On top of his disqualification, Shapovalov's prize money and 100 ranking points were initially stripped, but both returned on appeal. However, still had to pay a £28,000 fine. Medvedev, who said Denis shouldn’t have been disqualified, launched a scathing attack on ATP.

“I don't think Denis should have been disqualified. From what you hear on TV, he deserved a warning and maybe a fine after the match, but that's it. So I was really very surprised. I think the ATP is doing some good things and some not so good things at the moment, but I have the impression that they don't know where they are going,” the 28-year-old said.

The former World No. 1 pointed out that players cannot remain calm and composed all the time if the spectators are crossing the limit. He added that there is no clarity from ATP's side.

“They want to be like Formula 1 and football. But in this case you can't ask players to stay calm like robots, while around them there is a circus and a show. Things need to be clearer for the players and the spectators," added Medvedev, who recently competed at the Canadian Open 2024.  

Also Check: WATCH: Daniil Medvedev exits from Canadian open after second round loss to Davidovich Fokina