A fuming Denis Shapovalov slammed Rafael Nadal for receiving preferential time treatment after losing to the Spanish great in an epic quarter-final.
Shapovalov labelled chair umpire Carlos Bernardes “corrupt” during the match for not enforcing a penalty on the meticulous Nadal, whose ultra-finicky routine between points often pushes the 25-second serve clock to the limit. Shapovalov, however, stuck to his guns on “how much Rafa is getting away with” and believed the Spaniard deserved a time violation. “I think I misspoke when I said [the umpire’s] corrupt or whatever I said. It’s definitely emotional, but I do stand by my side. I think it’s unfair how much Rafa is getting away with,” said Shapovalov.
“I’m completely ready to play and the clock is ticking, clicking towards zero, and I’m looking at the ump…obviously I’m going to speak up. I’ve been ready to play for a minute and a half, and he tells me he’s not going to give him a code violation.” In response to Shapovalov’s post-match gripes, Nadal said: “Not in that case, no, no. I really don’t want it and I don’t feel I have it.”
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