Shapovalov vents at umpire during loss to Nadal: 'You guys are all corrupt'

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov certainly didn’t go down without a fight against one of the greatest players in tennis history.

The fiery Shapovalov wasn’t shy about voicing his displeasure during and after a 6-3, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3 loss to Rafael Nadal in a classic Australian Open quarterfinal on Tuesday.

Shapovalov had social media buzzing when he expressed his anger to umpire Carlos Bernardes over what he thought was Nadal getting too much time to serve after the first set.

"You guys are all corrupt!"

Denis Shapovalov has unloaded on the chair umpire in a stunning outburst on Rod Laver arena. #AusOpen – Live on Channel 9 and 9Now pic.twitter.com/BUdTxut1Fc

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 25, 2022

"I think it's unfair how much Rafa Nadal is getting away with!"

Denis Shapovalov says he "misspoke" when he used the word "corrupt" – but he still stands by his original point#AusOpen | @denis_shapo

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) January 25, 2022

thinking back last night Denis was very lucky 1st not getting a warning or could have been easily been defaulted for telling umpire he was corrupt, have to think today when referee seeing tape will be big fine

— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) January 25, 2022

While Shapovalov did apologize for his “corrupt” remark, he remained upset afterward about the way the match was officiated.

In particular, he wasn’t happy about the time Nadal received to deal with stomach issues later in the match.

“Where is the line? I respect everything that Rafa has done and I think he’s an unbelievable player. But there have got to be some boundaries, some rules set. It’s just so frustrating as a player. You feel like you’re not just playing against the player; you’re playing against the umpires, you’re playing against so much more,” Shapovalov said.

Shapovalov spent … some time inquiring about this during the long break.
It's not like he doesn't have a point.

— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) January 25, 2022

Five sets in the heat got heated as Denis Shapovalov angrily claimed Rafael Nadal was benefiting from favoritism. Nadal, back in the #AusOpen semifinals at age 35, firmly disagreed

My latest from Melbournehttps://t.co/9nTReeIOeA

— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) January 25, 2022

If anyone thinks that Nadal pushing the limits on breaks and time between points is a major stain on all that he is contributed to this sport on and off the court….they're nuts

— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) January 25, 2022

Denis-you are a remarkable tennis player! Canada is so proud of youAs you mature you will learn to control those emotions and let your racquet do the talking! Even though you are right that Nadal pushes the rules…like it or not, you are a role model…

— Anne schlarp mcarthur (@Anne_SchlarpMc) January 25, 2022

Denis Shapovalov upset in press about the medical + toilet break allowed for Nadal before the fifth set.

Says it shifted momentum.#AustralianOpen

— Ben Lewis (@BenLewisSN590) January 25, 2022

Nadal dismissed Shapovalov’s argument.

Rafa Nadal responds to Shapovalov’s accusations of preferential treatment:

“I don’t think that’s the case. I really believe sometimes that it’s always in the mind that top players get bigger advantages. Honestly, on court, it’s not true. That is my feeling” #AusOpen

— Ben Lewis (@BenLewisSN590) January 25, 2022

Shapovalov earned praise from Serena Williams’ coach for his play.

Impressive how @denis_shapo stayed into the match mentally being 2 sets to love down vs Rafa and not playing his best tennis. Great body language has helped him.

— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) January 25, 2022

His body language in the third started to become much better, pumping his fist and encouraging himself between every point. He found a way to get positive. https://t.co/XFZjqZHnh9

— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) January 25, 2022

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