Frances Tiafoe shouts a series of curses at the Shanghai Masters referee after a defeat

SHANGHAI (AP) — U.S. Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe repeatedly insulted a chair umpire after losing a match at the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday.

Tiafoe sent about 10 expletives in the direction of official Jimmy Pinoargote during a minute-long tirade after he was eliminated in the third round 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5) by 61st-ranked Roman Safiullin.

Tiafoe later posted an apology on social media, calling his reaction “unacceptable behavior” and writing, “That's not who I am and I never want to treat people.” I let my frustration out in the heat of the moment and am extremely disappointed with how I handled the situation.”

The ATP rules stipulate fines of $60,000 for verbal insults to an official at Masters 1000 tournaments. The tournament may take away prize money and the case could also be referred to the ATP Member Fines Committee for further investigation.

A tour spokesman said no decision had been made on the matter.

The 17th-ranked Tiafoe was upset to have his first serve taken away for a timing violation in the deciding tiebreak at 5-5.

Pinoargote ruled that Tiafoe was not attempting a true serve when he tossed the ball into the air on the baseline as the service clock was about to expire. Tiafoe initially protested before continuing to play; He lost that point and the next, ending the game.

Tiafoe, a 26-year-old from Maryland, congratulated Safiullin at the net before turning to the referee and shouting the first profanity.

Tiafoe went to his chair on the other side of the net and said the referee messed up the game. The American added more swearing and said he had been playing on the court for three hours.

Safiullin faced Novak Djokovic.

Tiafoe had an outstanding run this summer, reaching the final of the Cincinnati Open, where he lost to No. 1 Jannick Sinner, and then reaching the semifinals of the US Open before losing in five sets to fellow American Taylor Fritz.

___

AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis