PAVEL KOTOV left a ball girl terrified during his first round Australian Open clash.
The 25-year-old defeated Arthur Rinderknech – but the win was not without controversy.
Kotov had a match point for a straight sets victory but failed to convert and his French opponent won the next two sets to take the match to a decider.
The furious Russian became increasingly frustrated on court and smashed a ball powerfully into the back fence.
A ball girl standing in the back corner cowered in terror as she feared she was in the firing line.
Kotov’s behaviour has been slammed by fans, as one said: “Disgraceful show of temper.”
Another added: “Poor girl, she shouldn’t have to put up with that. Hope he gets a fine.”
A third commented: “Tennis needs to stamp hard on this unruly bad-tempered behaviour, have some respect for those ball kids.”
More reacted: “I find it absolutely disgusting that he was not disqualified from the Australian Open. Ball kids do not deserve to feel scared or threatened whilst they are on duty.”
After his outburst, Kotov recomposed himself to secure a dramatic fifth-set victory to win it 7-5 6-1 6-7 6-7 6-3.
It was the world No64’s first-ever Grand Slam victory on his fifth attempt.
He will now face either Nicolas Jarry or Flavio Cabolli in the next round.
