Angry Dzumhur joins list of players to be defaulted

Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur joined an unwanted list of players to be defaulted when he walked off court during the Mexican Open in Acapulco on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, whose ranking has dropped to No 125, was playing Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of qualifying when he lost his temper, initially over a disputed line call, and then took his anger out on the umpire.

Here is footage of Damir Dzumhur getting disqualified in Acapulco. He threw a tantrum after a call, got a point penalty, retired in anger and then physically intimidated the umpire. One of the few audible comments doesn’t sound great. (via @Sarayatennis) https://t.co/jr97WzpDs3

— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) March 15, 2021

Though technically he defaulted himself, Dzumhur is the first player to be defaulted since world No 1 Novak Djokovic was thrown out of the US Open last September when he swatted a ball after losing serve, which hit a lineswoman in the throat.

Dzumhur loses rag

At 5-5, 40-40 on Dzumhur’s serve, a forehand from Van de Zandschulp looked to have been long but was called in, which prompted Dzumhur to drop his racquet and walk toward the umpire’s chair. After a discussion at the change of ends, the Bosnian was given a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Continuing his discussion with the umpire, Dzumhur won the first point of the second set but then said something else to the umpire, who promptly penalised him a point, again for unsportsmanlike conduct. That was enough for Dzumhur, who threw his racquet to his bag, walked to the umpire, touched fists with Van de Zandschulp to concede the match.

After talking to the tournament supervisor, Dzumhur continued his tirade towards the umpire, who was backing away, while Van de Zandschulp left the court.

Notable other men to be defaulted

John McEnroe, Australian Open 1990 (Abusing officials, defaulted for third code violation)
Tim Henman, Wimbledon, 1995 (Accidentally hit a ball girl with a shot hit in anger)
Stefan Koubek, Metz 2007 (abusive language)
David Nalbandian, Queen’s Club, 2012 (injuring an official after kicking an advertising board)
Denis Shapovalov, Davis Cup 2017: (Hit the chair umpire in the eye with a ball hit in anger)
Nick Kyrgios, Rome, 2019: (Threw a chair on the court)
Novak Djokovic, US Open 2020: (Accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball)

Dzumhur is likely to receive a hefty fine from the ATP Tour.