Italy’s Fabio Fognini has been hit with a $96,000 fine for his sexist outburst at a match umpire during the US Open.
The world No.28 was kicked out of Flushing Meadows and fined $24,000 after making a series of foul mouth remarks towards chair umpire Louise Engzell. In one of his remarks, he called Engzell an ‘ugly c**k sucking whore.’ The controversy occurred in the first round of the tournament, where Fognini lost in four sets to Stefano Travaglia.
In a decision by the Grand Slam Board, Fognini has the chance to halve his fine if he commits no other major offence in a major event throughout 2019. He has also been threatened with a ban from two grand slam tournaments, one of which must be the US Open, if he is found guilty of committing any further ‘major offences’ next season.
“Mr Fognini accepts and will not appeal this Decision and he has expressed remorse for his admitted misconduct. He has confidence that he will meet the conditions necessary to reduce his financial penalty and to lift his Grand Slam tournament suspensions in the future.” A statement from the board reads.
Following the controversy, the 30-year-old has expressed remorse over his behaviour. During an interview with Sky Sports Italy, he issued a public apology for his insulting remarks. Offering to go to a school to clarify his own opinion about women.
“There are no excuses, no mitigating circumstances for what I have done.” He told Sky Italia. “I am here to say I’m sorry to everyone, to the chair umpire, that has already received my apologies in New York, and to all the people that felt offended by my words, especially all women.”
Since New York, the former world No.13 has reached the final of the St. Petersburg Open, in what was his second tour final of the season. This week he is playing at the Shanghai Masters where he has already defeated Fernando Verdasco and Lucas Pouille. Fognini will next player world No.1 Rafael Nadal in the third round.
