Tennis enthusiasts are demanding a ban for a player following a shocking act during a match that resulted in his immediate disqualification.
Alexander Donski and his partner Siddhant Banthia were 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 game reached deuce on the Italian serve. This meant a crucial point would decide the game instead of the usual advantage system.
This point was both game point for the serving Italians and break point for Donski and Banthia, who could take a 5-3 lead and serve for the set.
The receiving team chose Donski to return the serve.
Donski`s forehand return went directly to the volleyer, allowing Agostini to easily volley and win the game.
Donski tried to reach the ball, but it bounced twice before he could get to it, and the set was tied at 4-4.
In frustration, Donski powerfully hit the ball back over the net with his racket.
Unfortunately, the ball struck Agostini in the head at high speed.
Donski immediately apologized and checked on Agostini, who remained standing but held his head as a physio was called to the court.
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, tennis fans online believe that disqualification is not a sufficient penalty for Donski`s act.
One fan commented that suspensions should be considered, as such actions can cause serious injuries like concussion or internal bleeding.
Another stated that it was one of the most deserved defaults of the year.
A third added that such behavior should be stopped and that playing tennis professionally is a privilege, not a right.
They also noted that stricter regulation of player behavior, including verbal conduct, is necessary to prevent such incidents.
While acknowledging the high emotions in matches making self-control difficult, they emphasized the need for rules to be enforced.
