ATP Walks Back Denis Shapovalov's DC Open DQ Penalty

The ATP issued a new ruling following Denis Shapovalov's disqualification at the DC Open.

The ATP walked back punishment of Denis Shapovalov. / David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

This past weekend, most of the tennis world was understandably focused on the Paris Olympics. However, there was great tennis being played at the DC Open - plus a lot of drama.

Ben Shelton defeated Denis Shapovalov, thanks to a controversial disqualification call. Shelton had a triple match point on Shapovalov when the Canadian shouted at a fan in the crowd, resulting in a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct.

An ATP supervisor was quickly called to the court, and a debate ensued. Shapovalov tried protesting the call but had no luck and was issued the code violation.

A default in the nation’s capital ❌⁰⁰🇺🇸 @BenShelton had triple match point on Shapovalov when the Canadian shouted at a spectator, leading to his disqualification.⁰⁰#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/cTPjQyCgOe

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 2, 2024

It took a few days, but the ATP issued a statement and ruling on the matter on Monday afternoon.

The statement read, "ATP has reviewed an appeal from Denis Shapovalov following his default from the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Washington. The fines committee has affirmed that officials followed correct procedures in defaulting the player."

The statement continued, "However, the committee has concluded that loss of rankings points and prize money, which is automatically applied in the case of a default, would be a disproportionate penalty in this case. Shapovalov therefore retains quarter-final points and prize money, with a fine of $36,400 applied for the code violation."

ATP has reviewed an appeal from Denis Shapovalov following his default from the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Washington. The fines committee has affirmed that officials followed correct procedures in defaulting the player. However, the committee has concluded that…

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 5, 2024

So, Shapovalov will not lose ranking points and prize money, which is automatically applied when a player defaults. But he will, however, have to pay a $36,400 fine for the violation.

Fans will remember that this decision is nearly identical to a similar incident last February at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Andrey Rublev defaulted in the third set of his semifinal against Alexander Bublik. On appeal, Rublev was permitted to keep his points and prize money.

Shapovalov is back in action this week at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport and beyond.

Further Reading: Novak Djokovic wants to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.