Controversial Disqualifications in Tennis

Tennis has seen its fair share of disqualifications over the years, often sparking heated debates among fans and players alike. From the fiery temperaments of legends like John McEnroe to the recent incidents involving current stars, here are some of the most notable disqualifications in the sport.

1. Rublev: The Language Misunderstanding

At the Dubai Open this year, Andrey Rublev was disqualified during the semifinals for allegedly shouting insults at a linesman in Russian. Trailing 5-6 in the third set, Rublev was accused by a Russian linesman of using offensive language. Referee Miriam Bley issued the disqualification. Rublev claimed innocence, stating he spoke in English. While the on-court decision wasn't reversed, a subsequent appeal allowed him to reclaim his prize money and points.

2. Kyrgios: The Outburst at the Italian Open

Nick Kyrgios has been no stranger to controversy, but one of his most significant disqualifications came during the 2019 Italian Open. Trailing Casper Ruud 6-3 6-7 2-1, Kyrgios smashed his racket, kicked a water bottle, and threw a chair onto the court before walking off. He was officially ruled a loss, forfeiting €33,635 in prize money and 45 ATP points, and was fined an additional €20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

3. McEnroe: The First Grand Slam DQ in Decades

John McEnroe, known for his fiery personality, made history at the 1990 Australian Open. In the fourth round against Michael Pernfors, McEnroe was disqualified after accumulating three misconduct warnings, becoming the first player to be disqualified from a Grand Slam event since 1963. McEnroe later admitted that if he had been aware of the rule, he might have controlled his temper.

4. Shapovalov: The Fan Quarrel

Denis Shapovalov faced disqualification during the quarterfinals of the Washington 500 against Ben Shelton. After hitting his racket against the court and arguing with a spectator, referee Greg Allensworth disqualified Shapovalov. Shelton, who disagreed with the decision, insisted that play continue. Despite the ATP director's involvement, the ruling was upheld, and Shapovalov lost his prize money and ranking points. The incident led to calls for stricter measures against unruly fans.

5. Djokovic: The Unintended Consequence

In the 2020 US Open Round of 16, Novak Djokovic, then world No. 1, was disqualified against Pablo Carreño Busta. Trailing 5-6 in the first set, Djokovic inadvertently struck a female lineswoman with a ball, causing her to fall. Djokovic immediately went to check on her, but the incident resulted in his disqualification.

These disqualifications highlight the importance of sportsmanship and self-control in tennis, even as they remain a source of debate and reflection within the sport.