American doubles legend Mike Bryan has landed himself in hot water after pretending to shoot a court official with his racket during his second round doubles match.
The 41-year-old was seen turning his racket around and pointing it towards a linesman after an incorrect call was overturned. A lob from their opponents was initially called in before a hawk-eye challenge confirmed the ball landed out. He was playing alongside his twin brother Bob against Roberto Carballes Baena and Federico Delbonis. Bryan was slammed with a code violation following the gesture, which was made during the second set.
Initially Byran disputed the penalty he received. Questioning the umpire, Mariana Alves, as to why she hit him with the violation. Asking Alves what was the gesture that he made.
“The gesture that you did. You did it to the line umpire and did it to me. You did with your racket like it was a gun. I don’t think that was appropriate.” she replied.
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In the wake of the incident, Byran has now been fined $10,000. The highest single fine issued to a male participant in this year’s tournament so far. In recent months America has been affected by a series of gun-related incidents and mass killings.
Following the incident, the former world No.1 issued a statement in which he apologised for his actions. However, on social media some have pointed out that he is not the first player to have made this gesture. Juan Martin del Potro did something similar back in 2016 in a non-grand slam event and was not issued with a code violation.
“I apologize for any offense I may have caused. We won the point and the gesture was meant to be playful. But given the recent news and political climate I understand how my gesture could be viewed as insensitive. I promise that I will never do anything like this again.” The six-time US Open doubles champion said in a statement.
Brendan McIntyre, who is a spokesman for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), said “the gesture warranted that amount.”
The Bryan brothers went on to win their match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. They will play Jackson Withrow and Jack Sock in the next round.
