Russia’s Karen Khachanov was fortunate to avoid disqualification from the European Open on Friday when he smashed his racquet into the umpire’s chair during a fiery quarter-final loss to Britain’s Dan Evans.
Khachanov, the third seed, had a match point in the second set but was furious when a line call went against him. He kicked out at the net and clattered his racquet into the chair of umpire Adel Nour.
“It’s a joke. Everyone can see it was out. Are you drunk today?” Khachanov screamed at the official before the tie went to a decider.
Evans went on to win 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 and next faces France’s Ugo Humbert who claimed a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) win over qualifier Lloyd Harris of South Africa.
Australian eighth seed Alex De Minaur beat Marcos Giron of the United States 6-3, 6-0 and will face Bulgarian fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov. Dimitrov progressed when Canada’s Milos Raonic withdrew injured.
Results
Quarter-finals
Alex De Minaur (AUS x8) bt Marcos Giron (USA) 6-3, 6-0
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x4) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x5) - walkover
Dan Evans (GBR) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x3) 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4
Ugo Humbert (FRA) bt Lloyd Harris (RSA) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2)
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