Fabio Fognini has been slammed with a hefty fine and a suspended ban from two Grand Slams following his obscene remarks towards Swedish umpire Louise Engzelle at the US Open.
Fognini was suspended from further participation in last month’s US Open after the incident, which meant he couldn’t compete in doubles, and was fined $24,000 for on-site offences.
On Wednesday, the Grand Slam Board announced further punishment for the Italian world No. 28, following an investigation into the matter.
“The Grand Slam Board Director determined that Mr Fognini had committed the Grand Slam Major Offences of Aggravated Behaviour and Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game for his misconduct at the 2017 US Open,” read a statement released by the board.
The decision stated the following sanctions:
1. Mr Fognini is guilty of the Major Offence of Aggravated Behaviour (Article IV.A) and Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game (Article IV.B);
2. Mr Fognini is hereby fined $96,000 (in addition to the $24,000 penalty already paid for on-site offences) which will be reduced to $48,000 if no further Grand Slam Major Offence conviction occurs through and including 2019;
3. Mr Fognini will be suspended from participation in two Grand Slam tournaments, one of which must be the US Open, except that any such suspensions will not be imposed if no further Grand Slam Major Offence conviction occurs through and including 2019;
4. If a further Grand Slam Major Offence is committed during the period, the full penalties will be re-instated in addition to any other penalties imposed for the subsequent Grand Slam Major Offence;
5. 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.
6. As always, all financial penalties arising from misconduct at Grand Slam tournaments are donated by the Grand Slam tournaments to the Grand Slam Development Fund.
Fognini had made $1,177,715 in prize money so far this season (as of last Monday) and claimed his fifth ATP title in Gstaad in July. He reached the St. Petersburg final last month, where he lost to Damir Dzumhur.
The 30-year-old is no stranger to controversy, with his on-court temperament frequently landing him in hot water.
