Shapovalov fined after hitting umpire with ball
Canada’s Denis Shapovalov has been fined $7,000 (£5,600) after being defaulted from his match against Great Britain’s Kyle Edmund in the Davis Cup.
The 17-year-old was trailing Edmund 6-3 6-4 2-1 when he hit umpire Arnaud Gabas in the eye with a ball struck in anger.
He must pay $2,000 for the default and $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, escaping the maximum $12,000 penalty as it was not deemed intentional.
The International Tennis Federation has said no further action is anticipated.
The World Group first-round tie in Ottawa was poised at 2-2 after Vasek Pospisil beat Dan Evans to set up a decider, but Canada’s hopes ended when Shapovalov was disqualified after letting frustration get the better of him.
He later apologised to Frenchman Gabas in the match referee’s office before the umpire went to Ottwawa General Hospital as a precaution.
No damage to the cornea or retina was found and Gabas will see an eye doctor in France on Tuesday for a further examination.
- Shapovalov ‘ashamed’ after Davis Cup default
- Great Britain win after Shapovalov defaulted
- Davis Cup updates: How the drama unfolded
Shapovalov, who had just dropped serve when the incident happened, said he feels “incredibly ashamed and embarrassed”.
“I just feel awful for letting my team down, for letting my country down, for acting in a way that I would never want to act,” he added.
“I can promise that’s the last time I will do anything like that. I’m going to learn from this and try to move past it.”