World No. 407 Sviatoslav Gulin has confirmed that he might consider ending his tennis career following his disqualification from a match against Alejo Sanchez Quilez at the ITF 25k tournament in Sabadell.
The incident occurred with the score at 7/5, 3/6, 4/0, when the Russian player insulted the chair umpire and directed an obscene gesture towards him. As a result, he was removed from the doubles event and ordered to pay a fine of two thousand euros.
Gulin later admitted that after the match, he grabbed the umpire by the throat and yelled at him again. This subsequent action could lead to further sanctions, including a ban.
When asked about the potential threat to his career due to the fine and possibility of a ban, Gulin stated:
“If I get banned, then maybe I will finish [my career].”
Regarding the likelihood of a ban, he added:
“Right now we are waiting for the verdict.”
Gulin mentioned needing time to process the situation:
“I still need to process everything. I need three or four days to understand what is happening with me.”
He acknowledged the recent trend of stricter penalties for such behavior in tennis:
“Yes, they give very harsh fines, bans. Therefore, you need to behave very correctly.”
Admitting his lapse in control during the match, he said:
“I was playing a three-hour match; it was very hard to control emotions. That`s why I repent.”
The decision on further sanctions is expected after the tournament concludes:
“Most likely, after the tournament ends. They will write me an email, and I will know for sure.”
If a ban is imposed, Gulin plans to appeal:
“If there is a ban, I will definitely appeal it.”
He hasn`t yet researched the appeal process but noted:
“Only my tennis colleagues advised me that I need to appeal.”
