Russian star Aslan Karatsev struggled to contain his emotions during a tense first-round win over Spaniard Jaume Munar.
In a match that lasted more than four and half hours, No.15-ranked Karatsev came out on top in a thrilling five-setter, 3-6, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
But the 28-year-old, who last year reached the semifinals, allowed his emotions to take over early in the match when things didn’t go according to plan.
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After dropping the first set, Karatsev’s struggles continued when he struggled to stay on top of his service game early in the second.
With his service game at the time failing to cause Munar any troubles, Karatsev skied a ball into the crowd at Kia Arena, before taking his frustrations out on his racquet only minutes later.
“There’s your response,” said commentator Peter Marcato after Karatsev skied the ball.
“That’s ended up at Rod Laver Arena… I will tell you what, there’s a very surprised fan who has just had a tennis ball go very close to them.”
Karatsev received code violations for both incidents.
He will now face American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round.
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