Shapovalov speaks on Osaka being heckled at Indian Wells - "It's just not respectful for the players"

Canadian tennis star Denis Shapovalov gave his thoughts on the incident surrounding Naomi Osaka at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, after the Japanese superstar was heckled mid-match by a rude fan.

During her second round match against Veronika Kudermetova, a fan had some choice words for Osaka, who became visibly upset, started crying and asked for the fan to be thrown out of the stadium. The fan was not removed, and the former World No.1 would eventually lose her match.

Shapovalov stated that the incident was unfortunate but acknowledged that there will always be people who try to heckle players.

"Obviously most of the people are great. Just certain individuals sometimes. It's difficult. All you can ask is for them to be escorted out," said Shapovalov. "I think it's just not respectful for the players. But I don't think there's much the umpire of the tournament can do. It's a shame because there's no use for saying something like that.

"Not to speak for Osaka, but I think she's put everything she can into her tennis. When you step out on the court and someone says 'You suck', it sucks. It sucks to hear or feel that."

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The world No.13 would go on to state that heckling and abuse occurred more frequently on social media, but athletes would need to find ways to cope with it.

"I think most people that write on Instagram, they don't actually have the balls to face you up front and tell you something," added Shapovalov. "I think it happens way more on the media. You need to be careful, just not cope with it but find ways to deal with it."