Australian Open qualifier blows up at opponent's dodgy act before stunning upset win
Nothing quite went right for the Australian Open men's No.20 seed Flavio Cobolli at Melbourne Park on Sunday.
He began his match against world No.185 and tournament qualifier Arthur Fery ill, and had to be seen to by medical staff briefly for what appeared to be a stomach issue.
The match had to be paused twice during the opening set for two separate reviews by the match referee.
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On the second occasion, a cheeky act from Cobolli left Fery seeing red.
A Cobolli serve was called a let, and Fery hit the dead ball back to his opponent's side of the net.
Flavio Cobolli of Italy receives treatment during his first round match against Arthur Fery. AP
But a ball kid was still retrieving the ball when Cobolli hit a quick underarm serve that ended up acing Fery.
The British player immediately complained, pointing out the ball kid was still moving behind Cobolli when the serve was made.
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Both players sat on the side of the court as the chair umpire called for a review of the incident.
"There is a bit going on here," the commentator said.
"It caught my eye.... (the ball kid) hadn't caught it yet. Cobolli caught Fery off guard."
Arthur Fery was not happy with Flavio Cobolli. Nine
After a lengthy review, it was determined Cobolli had to serve again.
The match got even worse for the Italian and he ended up losing in straight sets, bundled out 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1.
Fery, 23, scored one of the biggest wins of his career and will progress to the second round of the year's first major.
