Mark Boremans Mistakes Referee During Game
Australia’s Marc Polmans has apologized after inadvertently hitting an umpire in the face with a ball during a Shanghai Masters qualifying match.
Polmans, who was on match point against Italy’s Stefano Napolitano, hit a volley into the net and then smashed the ball into the chair umpire’s face in frustration.
The 140th-ranked player in the world was immediately disqualified.
« There was a lot of pressure and I should have reacted better, » he said.
« The umpire had accepted my apology for my actions. He knew I was unintentional and I hit the ball on the frame in frustration in the heat of the moment.
« We are all moving on. I look forward to having a cup of coffee with Ben when we next meet.
Bormans will lose all prize money and ranking points earned during qualifying, although the ATP said he would not face any additional penalties.
A win would see the 26-year-old enter the main draw of an ATP 1000 event for the first time.
