Swear words of foreign players fall on deaf ears

THE British number two Heather Watson has accused Wimbledon tennis officials of discriminating against English-speaking players, saying they are more likely to be fined for swearing than those who use foreign expletives.

Figures from the championships show that the majority of fines for swearing were levied against players from English-speaking countries.

Watson’s claims came after she criticised a line judge who reported her to umpire Kader Nouni for allegedly shouting “------- stupid” in her quarter finals doubles match on Wednesday.

The figures for fines appear to endorse Watson’s concerns. Of the total fines for audible obscenities, $11,000 (£8,300) were levied against players from English-speaking countries, compared to $5,000 (£3,800) to those from other nations.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of players fined for swearing on court this year, with women the worst offenders.