close_game
close_game

'This is getting personal': Ben Shelton hits the umpire twice during quarterfinal, match official's reaction follows...

Jan 22, 2025 04:40 PM IST

Ben Shelton shared a comedic moment with the chair umpire in his quarterfinal match at the Australian Open.

Ben Shelton reached a second grand slam semifinal as he overcame Italian Lorenzo Sonego in their quarterfinal matchup at the Australian Open, coming through a winner in four sets 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 in an exciting match between two creative big hitters.

USA's Ben Shelton talks to the chair umpire during his men's singles quarter-final match against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego on day eleven of the Australian Open.(AFP)
USA's Ben Shelton talks to the chair umpire during his men's singles quarter-final match against Italy's Lorenzo Sonego on day eleven of the Australian Open.(AFP)

Shelton, known for his energetic personality and swagger while on the court, used his massive serve and forehand combination to defeat his opponent on Rod Laver Arena. However, his forehand nearly got him into trouble and a sticky spot with the chair umpire Tom Sweeney, as a series of unfortunate events led to the American southpaw striking the umpire twice in quick succession.

Returning Sonego’s serve in the second set, Shelton aimed for a big forehand down the line, but struck the umpire’s chair as it went a little wild. Shelton was quick to apologise and make sure Australian umpire Sweeney was okay, with the umpire reacting positively.

However, things went from bad to worse for Shelton, as in Sonego’s next service game, he shanked a forehand return, although off a fault serve. This time it had less pace, but headed right towards the umpire, allowing Sweeney to show off his reflexes for the crowd and complete a catch.

The umpire saw the funny side of the situation, putting up two fingers and smiling towards Shelton. The young American also took it in spirit, smiling along and sharing a light-hearted moment with Sweeney after the incident.

“This is getting personal now,” quipped the commentator on-air after the second time Sweeney was caught by Shelton's forehand. Sweeney was earlier involved in a slightly contentious moment in the match, as Shelton took issue with the amount of time he was being provided between serves, asking the umpire not to rush him with the serve clock in the first set.

Later, Sweeney incorrectly called a double bounce in a crunch moment in the set. However, video replay provided enough evidence for the Australian umpire to overturn his call. However, it was a largely cordial match between the umpire and the players.

Shelton comes through test unfazed

Shelton ultimately came through and won the fourth set when Sonego looked to be in the ascendancy, with the pair providing some excellent tennis to the Rod Laver Arena crowd as Shelton won 7-4 to win the set and the match.

The American will next face either home favourite Alex de Minaur or world number one Jannik Sinner in the semifinal, as he looks to continue his meteoric rise with a potential maiden grand slam final in Melbourne.

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Share this article
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
See More
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, February 08, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On