Italian Fognini fined for sexist outburst

PARIS: Italian Fabio Fognini was fined US$96,000 (RM405,000) and hit with a suspended ban from two Grand Slams for having insulted an umpire at the US Open.

Fognini was kicked out of the US Open and fined US$ 24,000 (RM101,000) at the time for launching a sexist tirade at Swedish female umpire Louise Engzell after a first round defeat to Italian compatriot Stefano Travaglia at the end of August.

The world No. 28 has been warned that if he re-offends between now and the end of 2019, he will be banned from two Grand Slams, one of which will be the US Open.

However, if he keeps out of trouble his fine will be halved.

“Mr Fognini accepts and will not appeal this decision and he has expressed remorse for his admitted misconduct,” said the Grand Slam Board in a statement on Wednesday.

Shortly after being kicked out of the US Open, Fognini, 30, appeared contrite and said already he would accept whatever punishment the Grand Slam Board decided to impose.

“Should (the Grand Slam Board) decide to ban me from the next Australian Open, I will accept the decision, because actions have consequences, and I need to pay for what I did,” Fognini told Italian Sky Sports TV a month ago.

“I am aware of the severity of my mistake, I take full responsibility for it.”

Fognini, known as a volatile player, was fined US$27,500 (RM116,000) by Wimbledon in 2014 for his outbursts during a first-round victory.— Agencies