Watch: Diana Shnaider goes ballistic against Italian fans in heated Rome clash

Diana Shnaider confronted the Italian crowd in the middle of her tough match against local hope Jasmine Paolini. The 21-year-old Russian appeared annoyed by the involvement of the fans at the Rome Open, after seeing Paolini come back in a match that seemed practically won.

Shnaider took a tight first set 7-6(1) and started the second set in an impeccable moment, taking advantage of the momentum to go ahead with two consecutive breaks to 4-0. It was precisely there that a small rain delay arrived, which served as a way to reset the game for Paolini.

Upon returning, Paolini achieved an epic comeback in the set, winning six consecutive games and taking everything to a third set. The world No. 6 not only brought her best level from the baseline, but the support of the fans seemed key, while Shnaider increasingly began to commit unforced errors.

The third set was underway when Shnaider went ahead again 2-0 thanks to an early break. However, the Italian once again showed her spirit to come back with a break and equalize at 2-2. It was at that moment that Shnaider let out all her frustration by encouraging the Italian fans to continue shouting, with evident annoyance at the constant shouts that interrupted her between serves and seemed to get into her head.