Main content

Denis Shapovalov: ‘I blacked out’ after hitting umpire in the eye with a ball

Canada's Denis Shapovalov says he ‘blacked out’ after hitting an umpire in the eye with a ball during a Davis Cup match against Great Britain.

The 17-year-old was trailing Kyle Edmund 6-3 6-4 2-1 when he struck the ball in anger and hit Arnaud Gabas - and defaulted the match.

“I remember hitting the ball and the next thing I didn’t even realise where it went and then I turned over and I see the official bending down holding his eye,” said Shapovalov.

“I was in complete shock and regret right away. I kind of blacked out for the next 10 minutes maybe,” he added.

Shapovalov 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.

This clip is from 5 live Breakfast, Wednesday 8 February 2017.

Release date:

Duration:

3 minutes

This clip is from