Dan Evans launched into a furious tirade at Italian Open umpire Mohamed Lahyani and was told off for unsportsmanlike conduct during his first-round clash with home favourite Fabio Fognini. The Brit lost 4-6, 6-3, 2-6 and was unable to set up a tie with Taylor Fritz, contesting the opinion of the match official.
A call deep into the deciding set caused controversy in Rome, as Evans was on the verge of breaking Fognini and thought he had won the point, but for the umpire to incorrectly rule that the Italian star’s effort landed safe.
Sky Sports cameras spotted that Fognini’s shot had bounced out of play, despite Lahyani’s ruling, as Evans took the umpire over to where the ball had landed and left a mark outside of the white line.
The umpire had no time for Evans’ protests, as the Brit continued to pull across his opponent to join in the conversation, but was overruled once again.
Evans could not believe that the incorrect decision was made, as he grew more irate during a break in play and began swearing at the official, when he was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“Listen to me!” Evans shouted, before Lahyani responded: “Talk to me in a professional manner. You don’t scream at me. Don’t scream at me. We can talk at normal please.”
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