'I DON'T CARE IF YOU ARE BETTING!': DARK CLOUD LOOMS OVER CHALLENGER AS PLAYER CONFRONTS FANS

Hecklers in the stands played a part in Norbert Gombos' loss at the Madrid Challenger. (Getty/Giampiero Sposito)

Slovakian veteran Norbert Gombos angrily approached a small group of spectators after his defeat at the Madrid Challenger, citing betting activity as the reason he was distracted.

The 34-year-old succumbed to a tight three-setter in his semi-final against Kamil Majchrzak by a scoreline of 7-6(2) 3-6 7-6(1).

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But controversy arose when Gombos had a chance to serve for the match in the third set, only for Gombos' coach to complain to the umpire that fans were putting off his player by making noises, resulting in a double fault and losing his service game.

"You need to say something! Did you hear them booing before the serve?" Gombos' coach asked.

After losing the decisive tiebreak, the former world No.80 walked over to the group of hecklers by climbing a few steps and let rip as he vented: "Are you happy? Destroying the game! You booed throughout the match and disrupted the game. I don't care about betting!"

Signs across the grounds prohibited gambling from occurring in the stands to prevent these types of scenarios.

Majchrzak went on to win the Challenger title against 2014 US Open winner Marin Čilić.

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