A frustrated Alex De Minaur confronted a fan at the Italian Open during his win over Luca Nardi.
The raucous crowd in Rome were backing home favourite Nardi in the late match on Grand Stand Arena.
De Minaur had won the first set 6-4 and with the match locked at 4-4 in the second the Australian stopped proceedings.
He remonstrated with the spectator in the front row with the umpire following quickly behind.
Something was clearly bothering De Minaur and wanted to known who had said something.
He was heard saying: “So who was it? Who was it? Who went like that?”
The umpire then warned the spectators that security would deal with them.
“I’ve seen you that you’ve done it,” he said.
“You listen to me, if you do it one more time, you will leave the stadium. Is that clear?”
Even the commentators were left baffled about the whole situation.
Sky Sports’ Adam Fielder said: “No idea what was said but De Minaur is not continuing until the man or woman in question is no longer watching.”
De Minaur went on to win that second match and book his place in the next round of the Italian Open.
He did not directly address what was said by the crowd, but explained how tough he found it on court.
De Minaur was not happy with what was saidSky Sports“I did what I needed to do today. It wasn’t easy by any means, it was a tough match,” he said.
“The tennis, I don’t think was great from both sides, but sometimes you’ve got to play with the cards you’re dealt and that was today.
“I did my best to stay focused and stay as strong as I could mentally, that was what helped me out today.
“To be honest, I think throughout the whole match, I had a lot of chances that I didn’t take.
“I think I did well to not lose my head! Because it would’ve been quite easy to get frustrated after having so many chances to break and not being able to get it over the line.”
Sinner made a winning return to the tennis courtGettyNext up for De Minaur will be Spaniard Hugo Dellien in the round of 32.
Meanwhile, world number one Jannik Sinner returned to action following his three-month doping ban with a straight-sets win over Mariano Navone at the Italian Open.
Sinner, playing his first match since winning the Australian Open in January, saw off the Argentinian 6-3 6-4 in Saturday’s second-round encounter in Rome having received a first-round bye.
Playing in front of a 10,500 crowd in his home tournament, the 23-year-old Italian produced a fine all-round display to secure victory in one hour and 38 minutes.
Sinner said on Sky Sports: “It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve waited quite long for this moment. I’m very happy to be back.
“It was an incredible moment for me, going again on court.
“I tried to prepare myself in the best way and control my mental thing in the best way, which I did, so I am very happy about that.”
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