'Intense scenes': Umpire halts Novak Djokovic match to demand respect
The ATP Cup tie between Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov was played out in front of a raucous crowd and the atmosphere irked chair umpire Carlos Bernardes.
Djokovic was a set down, but racing through the second set against the big hitting Shapovalov when the crowd started to up their tempo.
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The atmosphere was bubbling and Shapovolov complained to the chair umpire the crowd was becoming an issue.
He then received an unsportsmanlike conduct for goading the fans.
After some fans were heard yelling out during points and just before the players were serving, Bernardes stopped the game and delivered a strong message.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please. One moment, please. This is a tennis game. The most important thing between all of us is respect,” he said.
“If you guys will do this against Canadians or Serbians, this is not what we want. Please. Respect both players. Thank you.”
“If you don’t want to watch tennis, just go home,” he added when a fan yelled out and stopped play again straight away.
The message, in an attempt to control the crowd, was both praised and criticised on social media.
Some praised Barnardes for stepping in when the crowd was overstepping the mark, while others thought the crowd had every right to passionately get behind their player at the team event.
We've never seen an umpire have to address the crowd like this at a tennis match...
WATCH: @Channel9
STREAM: https://t.co/5bsqpECkOf#9WWOS #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/FQI8Gk6Cub— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 10, 2020
"The most important thing between all of us is respect"
- Carlos Bernardes #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/YPxnnuPNMM— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 10, 2020
Carlos Bernardes bringing the house down!!! https://t.co/WxJwoQZU3g
— Mateus Nagime (@mnagime) January 10, 2020
Someone better be waiting court-side with a drink for Carlos Bernardes after he finishes this match. This man deserves a raise. #ATPCup
— Lachlan Kilby (@LachieKilby) January 10, 2020
You must have this, Mr.Bernardes … https://t.co/Pp3WMRgeEh
— MayakoMuto 武藤真也子 (@wienerwalz) January 10, 2020
We're not the only oneshttps://t.co/2IcoBYXISa
— 5⭐Djokovic🌕🐊 I misconduct myself verbally (@DjokerSA) January 10, 2020
The crowd isn't even that bad. Novak had it worse just saying.
— - (@violettndrr) January 10, 2020
Carlos Bernardes to crowd yelling during points during Shapovalov-Djokovic match..."The most important thing between all of us is respect...If you don't want to watch tennis just go home. Don't disturb the people who are here to watch tennis" #ATPCup #ATPCup2020 #ATP pic.twitter.com/tWF6fFPeiu
— John Horn (@SportsHorn) January 10, 2020
This #ATPCup match between Shapovalov & Djokovic is as raucous as an old time Davis Cup tie. The pro Serbian crowd has gotten under Shapo’s skin & he’s imploded, losing the 2nd set. The umpire has told the fans to be quiet or leave. An intense scene.
— Tom Harrington (@cbctom) January 10, 2020
Some asshole legit whistled during BOTH of Shapo's serves. Bernardes gives the crowd an earful! Give Djokovic a mic. I've heard him tell his own fans to stfu before! #ATPCup
— Doug (@dc_loves_tennis) January 10, 2020
Djokovic fans are overdoing it tonight.
— Ore (@_Ironius) January 10, 2020
Novak Djokovic ended up securing the tie for Serbia in a thrilling third set tie-break.
Hewitt’s big call
Lleyton Hewitt’s brave call to drop undefeated pair John Peers and Chris Guccione for Nick Kyrgios and Alex de Minaur in the deciding ATP Cup tie against Great Britain has paid off after Australia won 18-16 in a super tie break.
De Minaur was backing up barely half an hour after losing a three-hour, 22-minute singles thriller to Dan Evans.
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Evans' 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-2) triumph levelled the tie at one rubber apiece after Kyrgios had put Australia one up with a 6-2 6-2 defeat of Cam Norrie in Thursday's opening match.
But team captain Lleyton Hewitt made the bold call to drop the undefeated doubles specialists for Australia’s two highest ranked single stars.