Czech young gun Jakub Menšík was caught up in wild scenes after randomly being asked to undertake a doping test mid-match, sparking outrage and confusion.
The 19-year-old is competing at the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, having lost his opening two round-robin fixtures.
Overnight, Menšík was outclassed by top-seed Arthur Fils in straight sets, but that wasn't the main storyline that unfolded.
When he requested a bathroom break at the completion of the second set, Menšík was told to submit a urine sample for a drug test, which eventuated off-court.
After returning to the court amid a lengthy delay, the world No.48 told the chair umpire, Nacho Forcadell, that he was forced to take a drug test, much to the shock of Forcadell.
Popular American television network, The Tennis Channel, was left in complete disbelief after the scene they had just witnessed.
One fan on X commented: "Menšík being asked to take an anti-doping test mid-match during the Next Gen Finals is really unfortunate. How can doping tests interrupt the continuity of matches or even preparation for matches? It only adds to the sense that something is broken in the whole process."
Doping controversy has overshadowed the ATP and WTA Tours in 2024, with multiple-time Grand Slam winners Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek testing positive for banned substances.
Menšík will prepare to feature in his final match of the event against high-flying Brazilian Joao Fonseca tomorrow morning.
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