Tennis star Luciano Darderi lost his cool and became embroiled in a furious row with a fan during his French Open exit.
The Italian, 24, was two points from defeat against Argentine Francesco Comesana on Friday (AEST) when his frustrations boiled over on the baseline.
Darderi aggressively smashed his racket onto the clay court as he slid towards a second-round loss in the fifth and deciding set.
He then zeroed in on a fan to his left in the front row — who appeared to infuriate the World No16.
Darderi addressed umpire Greg Allensworth who then announced to the crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen, please. Do not directly address the players.”
But that failed to diffuse the situation as Darderi then stormed over to the individual and began arguing with the man — who could be seen stood up in a confrontational manner.
Allensworth swiftly came down from his chair in an attempt to calm Darderi down as he got in between the player and the fan.
Darderi was eventually convinced to walk away from the situation, before his loss was confirmed as Comesana claimed a 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 win.
He will now face 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini for a place in the fourth round.
The men’s singles draw at the French Open has been blown wide open after World No1 Jannik Sinner was dumped out by Juan Manuel Cerundolo in an astonishing five-set thriller.
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has missed the tournament due to an ongoing wrist injury.
And a golden opportunity for 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic to claim a record 25th major went begging when he was beaten in five sets by teenager Joao Fonseca.
It leaves World No3 Alexander Zverev as the bookies’ favourite as he searches for his maiden Grand Slam.
Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar has also emerged as a contender after carrying his form from Madrid and Rome into Roland-Garros.
