TENNIS
Denis Shapovalov apologises for umpire strike, fined $7,000
Shapovalov was disqualified in Canada's Davis Cup tie with Great Britain after hitting a ball in frustration that struck the face of the umpire. Cavaliers @ Warriors live
Denis Shapovalov has been fined for hitting the umpire with the ball in Canada's Davis Cup tie against Great Britain, it was announced on Monday.
Shapovalov avoids maximum fine
Shapovalov, 17, was disqualified after striking chair umpire Arnaud Gabas in the eye with the ball in Ottawa on Sunday, gifting singles opponent Kyle Edmund a victory that gave Britain a 3-2 win.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) opted to fine him $7,000 (6,520 euros), rather than the maximum $10,000, after accepting he had not intentionally struck Gabas after smacking a ball off the court in frustration at losing a point.
"I feel ashamed of my unprofessional behaviour"
In a statement published on his Twitter account before the fine was announced, Shapovalov wrote: "There is no excuse for this behaviour and I take full responsibility for my action.
"I'm very sorry to Mr Gabas, to whom I apologised in person. Very sorry for letting my Davis Cup team-mates down and for letting my country down.
"I apologise to all the tennis fans, to my supporters and my sponsors. I feel ashamed of my unprofessional behaviour and will accept any consequences as a result of my action."
Israel-born Shapovalov was trailing Edmund 6-3, 6-4, 2-1 in the decisive World Group first-round tie when the incident happened.
Gabas was taken to hospital in Ottawa as a precaution after being left with bruising and swelling around his left eye, but no serious damage was found.
GB through to face France in last eight
Britain will play France in the quarter-finals in April.