FRENCH tennis player Michael Kouame slapped Ghanaian opponent Raphael Nii Ankrah as they went to shake hands after their match sparking a courtside BRAWL.
Kouame channelled his inner Will Smith, who slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars last month for a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
The No1 seeded 15-year-old was frustrated with his ITF Juniors tournament loss in Accra, Ghana.
Kouame’s slap could be visibly heard in the shocking video and his baffling actions left opponent Ankrah frustrated.
In the aftermath, a man can be seen approaching Kouame from behind in a courtside brawl.
The man connected with Kouame, who made a run for it as an angry group tried to get him.
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A man in blue can be seen being held back at courtside.
Another man can be seen restraining someone’s raised arms.
SunSport has contacted the ITF for comment.
The brawl caused by the teenager comes shortly after the ATP Tour issued a rebuke to male tennis stars over on-court behaviour.
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Bad boy Nick Kyrgios was fined £26,700 last week in Miami for his furious display towards umpire Carlos Bernardes during a defeat by Jannik Sinner.
Chairman of the body, Andrea Gaudenzi, has ordered a complete review of the whole code of conduct.
Gaudenzi, as quoted by the Daily Mail, said: “The first three months of the season have seen an unusual frequency of high-profile incidents involving unsportsmanlike conduct.
“This includes serious cases of verbal and racquet abuse.
“We have seen too many dangerous moments, with officials or ball persons caught in the crossfire of aggressive or disrespectful conduct.
“These incidents shine a bad light on our sport.
“This conduct affects everyone and sends the wrong message to our fans, especially young fans.
“Effective immediately, and as we had into the clay court swing, the ATP officiating team has been directed to take a stricter stance in judging violations of the Code of Conduct.
“Additionally we are also undertaking a review of the Code, as well as the disciplinary processes, to ensure that it provides appropriate and up-to-date penalties for repeat offenders.”
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