Why Roger Federer Was Docked a Point Against Alexander Zverev at Shanghai Masters

The 2019 Shanghai Masters Quarter-Finals Match Against Alexander Zverev

Coming into the October 2019 quarter-final match at the Shanghai Masters, Federer and Alexander Zverev held an even head-to-head record of three wins apiece. Federer was chasing his fourth title at the tournament, having previously won the event three times, leaving him behind only Novak Djokovic in terms of titles won at the venue. Zverev claimed the opening set and served for the match at 5-6 in the second set before Federer mounted a comeback.

Umpire Nacho Forcadell issued Federer a code violation warning for ball abuse. Federer subsequently recovered to win the second-set tie-break 9-7.

Code Violations and the Deciding Point Penalty

As Federer served down 0-3 in the deciding third set, he failed to execute a half-volley and struck the ball into the crowd a second time. Forcadell immediately announced a second code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in an automatic point penalty. Federer disputed the ruling, arguing to the umpire that he had made contact with the frame rather than intentionally hitting the ball away, but Forcadell refused to change his decision. Federer ultimately lost the match 6-3, 6(7)-7, 6-3, marking his final career appearance at the Shanghai Masters.

Federer Post-Match Comments on the Penalty

Addressing reporters after his exit from the tournament, Federer acknowledged that receiving a point penalty was a rare occurrence in his career. No, I have before. When pressed further about his dispute with the umpire, Federer deflected the line of questioning. So you could write on Twitter, you mean? he replied. No, it would be nice to write something nice once also about the game. Next question.

Retirement and Career Legacy

The point penalty issued by Forcadell in Shanghai stood as the final code violation resulting in a point penalty during Federer’s professional career. Federer did not receive another point penalty before officially retiring from competitive tennis at the Laver Cup in September 2022.