Jordan Thompson has earned himself a standing ovation at the Australian Open after the tennis player ripped into an umpire for a shocking decision.
The 23-year-old Australian was staring down victory deep into his first round tie with Argentinian Nicolas Kicker when the umpire called his forehand out.
Thompson immediately challenged the ruling, which was overturned, before the umpire ordered the point be replayed despite Kicker missing the shot.
‘You guys never do your jobs, never!’ Thompson shouted at the official.
Jordan Thompson has earned himself a standing ovation at the Australian Open after the tennis player ripped into an umpire for a shocking decision
Thompson immediately challenged the ruling, which was overturned, before the umpire ordered the point be replayed despite Kicker missing the shot
Thompson, currently ranked no.99 in the world, had produced an incredible turnaround in the match to force a fifth set, after being crushed in the opening two.
The Australian recovered to roll through the third and fourth sets, before breaking Kicker in his first service game of the decider.
Up two games to love in the fifth and deep into a rally to remove the Argentine’s advantage and force another deuce, Thompson whipped a back corner baseline forehand down the line, as the Argentine appeared to pull out on the point and hit the ball short of the net.
Thompson was shocked to hear the ball called out and immediately challenged.
Thompson whipped a back corner baseline forehand down the line, as the Argentine appeared to pull out on the point and hit the ball short of the net
Thompson was shocked to hear the ball called out and immediately challenged
The umpire then signalled to replay the point, sending the Australian to his knees before he charged at the official to argue his decision.
He gesticulated that Kicker had a fair play at the ball, then argued ‘he missed it’ when the umpire said the Argentine could’ve returned the ball.
The two continued to disagree as Thompson stood directly below the umpire’s chair, with the Australian particularly incensed at the suggestion Kicker deserved a replay after he had a clear attempt at the ball.
The 23-year-old then accused the umpire of not doing his job before walking away to the cheers of the crowd.
Jordan Thompson is currently ranked no.99 in the world (pictured with Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt)
However, it was Kicker who would have the last word as Thompson totally unravelled following the confrontation, losing six of the next seven games including five consecutive to crash out of his home Grand Slam.
The misery of the loss was compounded by the shock defeat to 2016 Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic who lost in four sets to Slovakian Lukas Lacko.
Thompson would have faced the unheralded 30-year-old in the second round had he been victorious.