Tennis enthusiasts are demanding a ban for a player following a controversial incident on the court that led to his immediate disqualification.
Alexander Donski, partnering with Siddhant Banthia, was competing in the ATP Challenger tournament in Barletta, Italy.
After winning a close match on Wednesday, Donski and Banthia played against Italians Gianluca Cadenasso and Simone Agostini in the quarter-finals.
The Italian team won the first set 6-2.
The incident occurred in the second set. With Donski and Banthia leading 4-3, the score reached deuce on the Italian serve, leading to a sudden-death point.
This crucial point would decide the game, offering the chance for the receivers to take a 5-3 lead and serve for the set.
The receiving team chose Donski to return the serve.
Donski`s return went directly at the volleyer, allowing Agostini to execute a drop volley and win the game.
Donski attempted to retrieve the ball but was unsuccessful before the second bounce, and the set was tied 4-4.
In frustration, Donski aggressively hit the ball back over the net, unintentionally striking Agostini in the head at high speed.
Donski immediately apologized and checked on Agostini. A physio attended to Agostini, who remained standing but held his head.
The supervisor and umpire disqualified Donski and Banthia due to Donski`s dangerous action.
Disqualification results in the loss of prize money and ranking points.
However, many tennis fans believe this punishment is insufficient for Donski`s actions.
One fan commented that disqualification seemed lenient and called for suspensions to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing the potential for serious injury from such actions.
Another stated it was one of the most justified defaults of the year.
A third added that stricter behavior regulation is needed in tennis, as playing professionally is a privilege that should be respected.
They argued that failing to control player conduct, even regarding verbal outbursts, can escalate to physical incidents. While acknowledging the emotional intensity of matches and the difficulty of self-control, they insisted on the importance of enforcing rules.
