Denis Shapovalov explodes at umpire during Novak Djokovic clash – ‘Are you joking?’

Wimbledon day 10: Highlights from SW19

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Denis Shapovalov exploded at the umpire during his Wimbledon semi-final with Novak Djokovic just as he went two sets down to the Serbian. The 22-year-old had previously expressed his frustration at a separate Hawkeye call earlier in the game but this time around he completely lost his temper.

Djokovic won the second set when he challenged a serve, which Shapovalov attempted to return.

He claimed the call from the umpire which declared the ball out, came after it was returned by his opponent.

Yet Djokovic ensured he was on course to reach another Wimbledon final much to the fury of Shapovalov, following a successful challenge that saw him earn a crucial point.

The Canadian headed straight to the umpire during the break to vent his anger, laying into him for the timing of the call.

He shouted: “30 minutes before my shot man, 30 minutes before my shot. What are you doing?!

“How can you call that on set point, are you joking?

“Are you joking? The call comes 30 minutes before my shot.

“30 minutes before my shot I didn’t go for it, I slid. I slid. What are you doing?”

Boris Becker was under no illusions that Shapovalov was using the call as a scapegoat for his own poor personal performance.

He said during commentary: “It’s clearly not about this point but about the fact he hasn’t won any of the first two sets.”

The German was also adamant the ruthless nature of Djokovic should serve as a valuable lesson to all of the Next Gen, that you must take your chances while on top as Shapovalov squandered several break points…

“He’s a complete player, maybe that’s the message to some of the younger players out there,” Becker said on Djokovic.

“Sometimes you have to win points in places where you’re not most comfortable.

“Djokovic is a base-liner, a counter puncher and he’s winning the match at the net.”

Shortly after, Tim Henman explained that he thought Shapovalov had shown himself up during the incident.

“I think Shapovalov has actually got it wrong,” he said.

“Djokovic has hit the serve out wide and then as Shapovalov has gone to try and get the return back in play as he wasn’t able to do, the time judge has called the serve out.

“But the call came after Shapovalov had hit his return into the net.

“Therefore it didn’t have any baring on his shot, so once they went to the challenge and showed that the ball was in, therefore it’s the umpire’s call.

“He felt it was after Shapovalov’s return and therefore it was Djokovic’s point, game and set.”

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