Fabio Fognini takes astonishing swipe at ‘His Majesty’ Rafael Nadal during rage-fuelled rant at umpire

Fabio Fognini took aim at world number one Rafael Nadal as he raged at umpire Carlos Bernardes at the Australian Open.
The controversial Italian was given a code violation by Bernardes for smashing his racket during his rain-delayed first-round match against Reilly Opelka on Tuesday.
However, Fognini was not impressed at all, and told him that ‘His Majesty’ Nadal gets preferential treatment.
“I can’t play with a referee who doesn’t give me tranquillity,” Fognini fumed in Italian.
“When Rafael Nadal asks for it, you [ATP] do it, when Fognini asks for it, you don’t. When His Majesty asks for it, you do it.
“You’re a shame. You’re not fit for this. You can’t give me point penalty for throwing my racket when [Opelka] is saying ‘f**k, f**k’ all the time.
“It’s not like I’m telling you to f**k off, if I told you to f**k off it’d be different.”
Bernardes also drew the ire of Opelka, though, who was enraged at what he perceived as Fognini being allowed to slow down the match too often.
“How many f***ing times are you going to let him get away with it?” Opelka asked.
“You’re f***ing pathetic. He’s done it four times.”
Fognini, though, had the last laugh, as he produced a stunning comeback from two sets down overnight to claim a 3-6, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (10-5) win.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
News
Heather Watson reaping the benefits of hard work at last
The 30-year-old says the paradise location of Hua Hin is helping her find her best tennis.
-
ATP Tour
Boris Becker sends Alexander Zverev stark warning
Alexander Zverev has been given a warning by Boris Becker.
-
Australian Open
Andy Murray weighs in on disappointing Australian Open TV numbers
Andy Murray pointed to the rise in streaming and the opening of new markets as big positives for the game.
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
Rafael Nadal’s confirmed and unconfirmed events for the 2023 tennis season.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…
When and where will world No 1 Novak Djokovic play his next tournament?
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: ‘Fans have it good on the women’s side’
The WTA Tour promises an incredible ride in 2023.
-
News
ATP confirms it will take no action against Alexander Zverev after domestic abuse investigation
The German was accused of domestic abuse by his former girlfriend, Olya Sharypova, in 2020.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic accused of being a ‘turn-off’ as poor Australian Open viewing figures revealed
Novak Djokovic has been accused of being a turn-off for TV viewers at the Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Tennis stars of tomorrow: Featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu
Annabelle Spiers looks at the new cast of tennis characters for fans to get behind.
-
Tennis News
Top 10 men’s Grand Slam match wins: Novak Djokovic edges closer to Roger Federer
Some of the all-time greats feature on list.