Denis Shapovalov started the Australian Open with a suffered victory over Italian Jannink Sinner (3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 4-6 and 6-4). The Canadian, 21 years old and number 12 in the world, dropped the also young Italian (19 years old) from the tournament in one of the most attractive first round matches that lasted about four hours (3:55). After finishing the fourth set, which Sinner scored, everything would be decided in the fifth set. Before starting it, Shapovalov asked to go to the bathroom to urinate, something that the chair umpire denied the Canadian.
They talked for almost a minute, and even Shapovalov threatened to go to the bathroom despite the refusal. “What happens if I go? Will they fine me? I don't care,” said the tennis player to Nico Helwerth, the chair umpire of said match. Once again, the referee did not allow him to leave the court. “What do you mean I can't go? Are you disqualifying me? I have to pee!” Shapovalov was saying again, already on his feet to head for the service. Finally, resigned, he sat down at halftime before the deciding set. “I'm going to piss my pants! I don't understand this rule. I'm going to piss in a bottle! Why don't you allow me to go pee?” he said again.
The game continued and Shapovalov took the fifth and final sleeve. After the meeting, he gave his version of this peculiar situation. “It's a stupid rule. I must have the smallest bladder ever, because I pee on every set. I have to hydrate as much as possible before a game, so I have to go to the bathroom of course, “he argued. It will be measured in the second round this next morning with the Australian Bernard Tomic.