Polmans apologizes to umpire for hitting him with a ball

Marc Polmans has officially apologized to the umpire he hit in the face during a Shanghai Masters qualifying match.

🚨 DISQUALIFICATION 🚨

Marc Polmans missed a volley on match point at 7-6(3), 6-6 (6-5) and then accidentally hit the umpire.

Stefano Napolitano advances to the main draw in Shanghai as a result.pic.twitter.com/9izXBA1BOl

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 3, 2023

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The Aussie was serving for the match against Italy’s Stefano Nepolitano, but wasted his chance as the ball struck the net. Filled with anger Polmans smashed the ball hard and in the process hit the umpire right in the face. Naturally, the world No.140 was immediately disqualified.

“It was a high pressure situation and I should have reacted better,” he said.

“The umpire, Ben, has accepted my apology for my actions. He knows it was unintentional and I shanked the ball on the frame in frustration in the heat of the moment.

“We both move on. I look forward to shouting Ben a coffee the next time we meet.”

It was a bitter moment for the 26-year-old, whose potential victory was set to guarantee him a spot in the main draw for the first time in his career.