🤯SHOCK!!! FINAL TIE-BREAK TIAFOE vs SAFIULLIN SHANGHAI 2024

[jonwj]

I think some of the people commenting need to understand, it’s not like the umpire jumped straight to taking away Tiafoe's first serve. The player always gets a warning first, and if it happens again, then they lose their first serve so this indicates that he had already been warned previously in the match. The only subjective thing about this call is whether the empire could’ve waited a few seconds before he started the clock. Once he started it’s on Francis to make sure he serves before the clock hits zero which in this example he was not even close to being able to do. The people that talk about other players that have done a ball toss to reset the clock haven’t looked as obvious as Francis made it look. There was no chance he was even attempting to serve. He was strictly doing it to reset the clock the counter argument would be made if the umpire had granted that weak attempt as a serve, and reset the clock and France's had served an ace, would that have been fair to Saifullen?

[oooodaxteroooo]

swearing at an umpire should ALWAYS lead to the worst penalties. you cannot be free in your judgement with players threatening you!

[soysaucehairdye]

Safiullin is one of those unassuming looking guys that the bigger named players usually underestimate. He’s given Sinner trouble on hardcourt and took a set off Berrettini on grass. He’s also beaten Alcaraz in straight sets.

[neelharrison]

That might be the worst attempt at stalling I've ever seen. He didn't even lift his racket, didn't even try to pretend like he was in a service motion, didn't even look up at the ball as it was coming down. This was literally the most obvious time violation call of all time and questions would have to be asked about the umpires competence and professionalism if he didn't call it out here. Seriously, Tiafoe made no effort whatsoever to disguise this as a legitimate attempt at a serve, none at all. This is so embarrassing for him to act like he was penalized with a harsh call over probably the most well deserved warning for a time violation I've ever seen in the ATP.

[razorback]

The serve clock was :00, he would have been okay had he served it, but catching his toss after :00 is asking for a time violation.

[bretts]

This was a great match! Looked like Tiafoe had it up a break in the 2nd, but a nice comeback. Safiullin is underrated.

[kimriley]

I can only hope Tea Fo will be fined AND banned from competing for this very serious verbal abuse. Unsportsmanlike conduct at its worst.

[boogie]

Won't excuse Tiafoe HOWEVER the umpire should be there to manage the play and not decide play. ALSO ATP/WTA needs to work on the rules of the clock b/c players should be playing tennis, not managing a clock on every point. If an umpire, late in a match can start the clock a bit later etc.,

[pFaz]

My opinion might be unpopular here but apart from the despicable reaction, he might have a point. It depends by how the rule is written. If it's written that just tossing the ball resets the clock, then he's right. If it's written 'attempt to serve' then he's wrong.

[Skweenison]

Came here to see what really happened... Players can be hot-headed but their anger doesn't mean they are right. Case in point here. He probably thought he could get away with it, but the ump isn't stupid. Tiafoe didn't prepare before or during the toss. No trophy position, and not even a hint of actual intent to hit the serve. He was trying to play the system, you can't blame him, but don't be so obvious lol.

[rsammk]

A player who throws the ball in the air and then decides not to hit it is allowed catch it with your hand or racket or drop it on the floor. I have seen Umpires being very lenient on time violations especially at crucial points and unless they are repeated and exceeds several seconds. So, what really happened here? Umpire probably got annoyed with the fake toss when time was exceeded.

[javiermunoz]

Tiafoe almost always has a unsportsmanlike conduct. It's time to pay your debts

[JamminOnThe]

That umpire calling that as a first serve was a joke. Tiafoe will likely have to pay a fine but that ref needs a refresher course. Let the players play.

[oza]

It was good call from the umpire and terrible act from tiafo- he needs to put himself together and grow. Too spoiled. Cool act from safullin- congrats to him he deserved it.

[aghz]

Just one question: A bad call justifies his terrible behavior? Really?

[stellacometa]

That was one of the worst outbursts I have ever seen in tennis. Does he think he’s playing in some back alley or basement? How can someone completely lose control like that? And not just once, but repeatedly letting his anger get the best of him, only to offer such a cheap apology afterward. Honestly, I think he should be banned. I definitely don’t want to watch any more of his matches.

[Smarties-yx]

Tiafoe frustration is real, and anyone would act out. I see female players do such all the time without any penalty. I am pretty sure the Umpire will not do that to another player...Nick would really let the umpire have...

[Jon-ErikRideTheWave]

I've seen other player get away with this on tour for sure, I don't know the actual rule but if he had just said sorry straight away I'm sure it would not have counted as a serve.

[Servingsces]

Looks to me, Tiafoe was asking for it

[Licantropo]

Many write without knowing the rules commenting simply saying that the umpire should have let it go?! The umpire was the only one correct on this occasion applying the rules and Tiafoe was angry simply because he lost the match, and if he had won? It would have been fair to Siafullin to have won with a trick that gave him an advantage at that moment? I don't say anything about what Tifoe said to the umpire but if it were possible I would give him a long disqualification. Imbecile