Rising Spanish tennis star handed code violation for swearing at ballboy
SHANGHAI: Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct after shouting an expletive at a ballboy in the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.
Rising Spanish tennis player Rafael Jodar received a code violation for using profanity towards a ballboy during a match at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday. The 20-year-old, currently ranked world number 13, had just lost the first set on a tie-break to Botic van de Zandschulp when he swore at the ballboy in Spanish, demanding, "Give me the [expletive] towel!" The incident occurred after Jodar hit a shot that was long, resulting in the loss of a break point in the opening game of the second set.
Ecuadorian chair umpire Jimmy Pinoargote issued the warning, citing ATP rulebook violations. The exchange between Jodar and Pinoargote was brief, with the umpire explaining that he understood the situation but could not condone Jodar's language. Pinoargote advised Jodar to use better manners when addressing the ballboy.
Despite the warning, Jodar went on to defeat van de Zandschulp 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 6-2. The incident took place in the fourth round of the tournament, and Jodar will now face Casper Ruud in the Shanghai quarter-finals. Ruud advanced after Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew due to injury in their fourth-round match. Ball boys and girls are responsible for retrieving loose balls, providing them to players during service games, and delivering towels between points.
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