Frances Tiafoe apologizes for obscene outburst at referee in Shanghai Masters defeat

CNN
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US tennis player Frances Tiafoe has apologized for his profanity-laced outburst towards a referee after a defeat at the Shanghai Masters.

The world number 7 lost 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5) to unseeded Russian Roman Safiullin over three hours in the third round on Tuesday with a score of 5-5.

“No, no, no, no, I threw the ball up… I was ready to serve. Dude, that’s the rule,” Tiafoe was heard telling referee Jimmy Pinoargote, arguing that he threw the ball in the air for a serve.

In response, Pinoargote said: “I don't buy it, it's second serve,” before also announcing on the microphone that it was Tiafoe's second serve.

Tiafoe would lose the point and the match. After the players shook hands at the net, the 26-year-old turned his anger on Pinoargote, aiming a string of abuse at the referee as Safiullin tried to celebrate his win. Meanwhile, some members of the crowd could be heard laughing.

After the game, Tiafoe apologized on social media for his behavior.

“I truly apologize for my behavior,” the two-time US Open semifinalist wrote on Instagram. “That’s not who I am and it’s not how I want to treat people.

“I let my frustration out in the heat of the moment and am extremely disappointed with how I handled the situation.

“This is not acceptable behavior and I would like to apologize to the referee, the tournament and the fans.”

Under ATP Tour regulations, players can face fines of up to $60,000 for swearing at officials at Masters 1000 tournaments. CNN has contacted the ATP for comment.