Share

Shapovalov, Haas awarded Wimbledon wildcards

London - Junior champion Denis Shapovalov was awarded a wildcard for next month's Wimbledon tournament on Wednesday despite earlier this year being disqualified for striking an umpire with a ball.

The 18-year-old, winner of the junior title last year, was one of 10 wildcards named by Championships Referee Andrew Jarrett for the singles main draws, with six still up for grabs.

German veteran Tommy Haas, playing his last season on Tour, was also given a wildcard. The 39-year-old former world No 2 stunned 18-time grand slam champion Roger Federer in Stuttgart last week to reach the quarter-finals.

Haas played his first Wimbledon 20 years ago and reached the semi-finals in 2009, when he lost to Federer.

Canadian Shapovalov, ranked 193rd, made headlines earlier this year when he was disqualified for striking umpire Arnaud Gabas in the eye with a ball after hitting it aimlessly towards the crowd during a Davis Cup tie against Britain.

That incident in February came against Britain's Kyle Edmund, whom Shapovalov beat at Queen's Club this week.

On the women's side, Britain's former junior Wimbledon champion Laura Robson received a wildcard as she continues to battle back up the rankings after wrist injuries.

Britain's Heather Watson, who has slumped down the rankings from a career-high 38, was included on the list.

More wildcards will be announced later this week.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Titans RSA 155/8
Lions 154/8
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE