Kyle Edmund’s victory over 17-year-old Denis Shapovalov in the Davis Cup came as no surprise, but the manner of it certainly did.
Edmund led by two sets and a break with the countries locked at 2-2 in their World Group first round tie, but Shapovalov brought his defeat forward by half an hour or so by smashing the ball straight into the face of umpire Arnaud Gabas.
This is… quite unfortunate.
Denis Shapovalov disqualified after he hit the umpire in the face with a ball during #DavisCup match with Britain ??pic.twitter.com/1WjcZ2NMTI
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) February 5, 2017
Having hit the umpire with a ball struck in anger, the match referee had no option but to declare the tie in Britain’s favour.
It’s safe to say people felt for the teenager.
No one is nicer or carries themselves better for a 17 y/o than Shapovalov. Everyone can see that today was an accident. Can happen to anyone
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) February 5, 2017
Although it’s the referee we should probably be thinking of right now.
Leon Smith: "I feel sorry for Denis. He has learned a harsh lesson. But firstly I hope the umpire's okay. That can be really dangerous."
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) February 5, 2017
@KellyCates Poor bloke pic.twitter.com/AwJG6KxtFl
— Sean (@shornKOOMINS) February 5, 2017
What a shame.
