Flashback to the Davis Cup 2017 tie between Great Britain and Canada and the deciding rubber. Denis Shapovalov, then 17-years old, impulsively takes his frustration out on a ball during the 3rd set against Kyle Edmund. He smashed the ball and what follows, in my opinion, was very bad luck. The ball shot up squarely hitting Chair Umpire Arnaud Gabas, in the eye fracturing a bone. Shapovalov was immediately defaulted as it should be, rules are rules.

But, what followed was a type of witch hunt. Countless media, fans, and social media mobs condemned the Canadian. Some were calling for his complete ejection from the sport while others labeled him a “marked man.” While I do not make light of the injury to Arnaud (and it could have been worse), I believe we got the context wrong. As people, we, unfortunately, seem to seek opportunities to seek out villains. Thankfully, sound minds prevailed and the world no. 193 was accepted into the Aegon Queens Championships as a qualifier where he earned his place in the main draw defeating Reilly Opelka [USA} and Liam Broady {GBR}.

In an interesting twist of fate, Shapovalov’s first round main draw match was world no. 47 Kyle Edmund - demons to be exercised. As I watched Shapovalov playing Edmund, I was struck by his skill and passion. He consistently served between 125-130 miles per hour but also had the presence of mind and skill to change up pace to give his opponent a different look every now and then and he is lightning fast coming to net. He would construct a similar performance a few days later against world no. 14, Tomas Berdych.

My attention was captured by this young man (now barely 18) who appears to have a passion like Nadal and skills that would impress Federer. I witnessed his “fiery persona” during the final changeover against Edmund while he waited to serve for the match. The Brit sat quietly and somewhat flat while Shapovalov was visibly pumping himself up to close. Before he bounced the next ball, I knew it was over. His behavior showed that he was mindful a letdown now could cost him the match. He closed, 7-6(4) 4-6 6-4. While you might think that win was a fluke, the 2016 Wimbledon Junior singles champion came very close to backing up that performance losing to Berdych by a very narrow margin, 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 7-5. 

Do not misunderstand my position, what Shapovalov did was wrong, no question. However, I do question those that seem to believe what happened to the chair was intentional and unforgivable. If you fall into that clan, I ask that you go back and review the footage with a more open mind.

At Queens after his win over Edmund, I met a remorse-filled young man. As he faced those questions yet again, it was clear his sorrow was more about letting his country down and how his actions made life difficult for those he loves rather than the consequences to his tennis career. His voice quivered as he spoke. Rather than trying to summarize the mature sentiments displayed, I will share his words in response to those questions.

Q: Sorry to harken back to Ottawa again, but this is the first chance we have had to speak to you since then…How proud are you the way you have bounced back since?  And today seems to be a significant moment. 

“Yeah, I think it definitely had an impact on my life, on my family's life, everyone that's close to me.  Yes, it hasn't been easy. Especially at the time, it was very tough with everyone's comments.  You know, just things that were happening. Yeah, I stuck to it.  People that were close with me, the fans that weren't upset with me, they were having my back.  Even Arnaud. Arnaud was very nice about it, and we text each other, you know, monthly or weekly. So, yeah, I think a couple things helped me get through it.  But I was guided very well to deal with the situation. Obviously, on my own, it would have been tough. So, yeah, having a lot of good people around me really helped.

And also, I just think I have matured from that incident, and it's really helped my game on court, I think. You know, today, staying so mentally patient and so calm during the big points really helped me, you know, take the W. I still feel like I have a lot of room to improve mentally, and I have gone a long way from Davis Cup.  Yeah, I just hope to keep improving.

Q. Arnaud, the fact that he's been in touch since, that's generally helped you in the recovery?  

“Yeah, of course. The referee could have taken it harshly.  Arnaud could have – if it was a different guy, it could have been different.  He could have been really mean about it.  But Arnaud is just probably one of the greatest guys I have met. He's such a nice man.  Not one negative thought even from right when it happened towards me.

He was alright.  He was joking with me in the locker room after it happened…he's really helped me get through this.  We have been texting here and there.  It's really good. It's ironic that we have become friends, but I think it's really helped me.  I'm really thankful for him and the way he handled it.

Shapavolov has clearly learned some lessons the hard way and come out a better person. He also reflected that while on court, there's a voice reminding him not to do anything “stupid.” But have we learned our lessons? Maybe not to judge so harshly and accept the role of a critic willingly? 

The other remarkable part of this story is Gabas. A man that in theory had a cause to exact revenge on the person that physically hurt him. And yet, he had the clarity of mind and spirit to know there was no ill intent and that accidents happen. This display of grace and forgiveness is remarkable. So as Shapovalov continues beyond the Queen's Aegon Championships draw and into what appears to be a promising career, can we forgive and perhaps let the spirit of Arnaud Gabas guide us. Anyone who has never acted impulsively and lived to regret it, please remain standing but for the rest of us now seated, perhaps a lesson learned.