French star accused of throwing match after pausing to check his phone

Ugo Humbert checking his phone during the third set of his match in Montepllier. (ATP)

World No.38 Ugo Humbert has raised eyebrows after stopping play to check his phone, before losing his second round match at the Open Occitanie.

Leading 4-3 in the deciding set tiebreak, the 27-year-old was four points away from victory over fellow Frenchman Adrian Mannarino. However, Humbert didn't win a single point from that moment.

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He has placed himself in hot water by being seen with his phone (long enough to check notifications) which was in his bag, despite the tiebreak rules stating that players can go to their bench after every six points.

The exact reason for Humbert attending to his phone remains unclear, but it could be assumed by some that he was turning off his phone.

Suspicion of potential match-fixing has swirled on social media, given Humbert also coughed up three match points earlier in the third set.

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