Fabio Fognini faces conditional suspension for two Grand Slams
Grand Slam Board has threatened Italian ace Fabio Fognini with a two-year ban and $96,000 fine after the 30-year-old was found guilty of misconduct at the US Open six weeks ago. He is in danger of missing out on two Grand Slams, including US open, if he commits another major offence before 2020.
The International Tennis Federation issued a press release on Friday stating that the sportās Grand Slam Board has dispensed a suspended suspension on the Italian for two Grand Slam tournaments threatening with a further a $96,000 fine for his misconduct termed as a āmajor offense of aggravated behaviorā and āconduct contrary to the integrity of the gameā.
The 30-year-old Italian ace was ousted from the final Grand Slam of the year during his game with Stefano Travaglia. Fognini was heard hurling vulgar comments at umpire Louise Engzell, calling her ātroiaā and ābocchinaraā in Italian, which translates as āw****eā and āc*******erā.
Not only was he disallowed to play his doubles match alongside compatriot Simone Bolelli but was also fined Ā£24,000. He has been fined a further Ā£73,000 and faces missing two Grand Slams, one of which would be the US Open, if he commits another major offence before 2020.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italy, Fognini accepted his guilt and wonāt appeal the decision. He said, āI apologise to everyone, not just the umpire, who I already apologised to in New York, but to all those who felt hurt, women in the first place.ā
āI have nothing against them. Being described as a sexist has hurt me because itās not true: Iām a father, Iām married, I have a mom, a sister, Iāve always loved women, Iāve always respected her, so Iām sorry,ā he added.
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