Reis da Silva did not immediately realise what had happened and was preparing for his next service game when it became apparent that he had been handed a free pass into the semi-finals.

Carabelli has since issued a statement to apologise for his behaviour, writing on social media: "The last thing I want is to disrespect the Challenger in Guayaquil and its people.

"I've known everyone since I was 13 years old and I highlight the enormous effort they put in throughout the entire week to get the courts in the best possible condition despite the rain.

"My intention was never to withdraw from the match, and certainly not in that way. I felt that playing in those conditions was a risk, but in that moment, I didn't fully grasp the consequences or heed the referee's warnings.

Earlier this year, he made headlines at another Challenger Tour event when he retired from his match against Moez Echargui in Cancun, Mexico.

The pair faced each other in the second round and Echargui was just one game away from victory when Carabelli decided to throw in the towel.

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