(VIDEO) Russian tennis player disqualified from ITF event for yelling at chair umpire

Russian tennis player Svyatoslav Gulin is in hot water after misbehaving on the court at the Spanish ITF event. The 22-year-old was disqualified during the M25 Sabadell clash against Alejo Sanchez despite being in a commanding position. The final score of the match was 7-5, 3-6, 4-0.

Gulin, despite leading in the third set, yelled at the chair umpire after a call went against him and continued to make gestures. Those actions led his opponent to protest to the chair umpire, who disqualified Gulin from the competition.

The Moscow-born talked to the media after the match, as quoted by English media outlet Daily Express, where he revealed that he ‘grabbed the umpire by the throat’ in anger after the contest ended, which might lead to him facing severe punishment in the future. Gulin also stated that he might consider retirement if he receives a lengthy ban.

“The referee made a really bad decision two plays ago,” he said. “And after that, my nerves gave out - and I just snapped. I hit the court, and the judge said it was out - although the ball hit really hard. After that, I won the game and couldn't hold back my emotions. At first I thought I would get a warning, so I even went to the towel to continue playing. But the opponent insisted on disqualification – and three minutes later I got it. So I was very angry. I just couldn't hold back my emotions and told the judge this. I thought I didn't say it, but then the video showed that I told him directly. Unfortunately. If I get banned, then maybe I'll quit. Now we are waiting for the verdict. I still need to process everything. It will take me 3-4 days to understand what is happening to me. The ITF will make a decision.”