KITZBÜHEL, Austria — Alexander Shevchenko stunned spectators at the Generali Open on Wednesday when he abruptly walked off the court during his match against Alexander Bublik, launching an angry complaint about court conditions before the umpire suspended play.
The incident occurred during the second set of their round-of-16 clash, with Bublik leading 6-4, 2-1. Shevchenko, visibly frustrated, stopped play and approached the chair umpire, arguing that the surface had become dangerously slippery due to moisture. After a heated exchange, the 23-year-old Russian threw his racket in frustration and stormed off the court, prompting tournament officials to halt the match.
Shevchenko's Explosive Reaction
Shevchenko’s outburst came after he slipped multiple times while chasing a drop shot. He immediately gestured to the umpire, shouting, "This is ridiculous! The court is wet—it’s not safe to play! Are you waiting for someone to get injured?" Tournament staff quickly inspected the surface, but Shevchenko refused to continue, shaking his head and packing his bag.
Bublik, known for his unpredictable demeanor, appeared bemused by the situation. The Kazakhstani player, who had been in control of the match, later told reporters, "I don’t know what happened. The court felt fine to me, but if he says it’s slippery, maybe he’s right."
Tournament Officials Respond
The match was suspended for over an hour as officials assessed the conditions. Tournament director Alexander Antonitsch confirmed that additional drying measures were taken, including the use of towels and blowers. He stated, "Player safety is our top priority. We addressed the concerns and ensured the court was playable before resuming."
However, Shevchenko remained unconvinced. Upon returning, he played just two more points before shaking hands with Bublik and retiring from the match. The official reason cited was a "leg injury," though many speculated it was a protest against the conditions.
Key Moments Leading to the Walk-Off
- First Set: Bublik took control early, winning 6-4 with strong serving.
- Second Set: Shevchenko slipped twice in the third game, prompting his complaint.
- Umpire Discussion: A three-minute argument ensued before Shevchenko walked off.
- Suspension: Play halted for 65 minutes before Shevchenko retired.
Reactions from the Tennis World
The incident sparked debate among players and analysts. Former world No. 4 Tim Henman commented, "It’s rare to see a player take such a drastic step. If conditions are unsafe, it’s understandable, but you’d hope for clearer communication."
Meanwhile, fans on social media were divided. Some praised Shevchenko for standing his ground, while others criticized his abrupt exit. One fan tweeted, "Respect for Shevchenko—no one should risk injury for a match."
What’s Next for Bublik and Shevchenko?
Bublik advanced to the quarterfinals, where he will face Sebastian Ofner. Shevchenko, meanwhile, faces scrutiny for his actions. While no formal penalties were announced, the ATP may review the incident under its code of conduct.
This isn’t the first time court conditions have caused controversy. Earlier this year, Daniil Medvedev criticized the slippery surface at the Australian Open, calling it "a joke" after nearly twisting his ankle.
Conclusion
Shevchenko’s walk-off highlights the ongoing tension between player safety and tournament logistics. While his reaction was extreme, it underscores the need for consistent court conditions across the tour. As Bublik moves forward, Shevchenko’s future actions—and the ATP’s response—will be closely watched.