Mumbai, April 5 (BUS): Tennis officials will impose tougher penalties for on-court misconduct, the ATP has warned players in an internal memo as the men’s board is also simultaneously reviewing its guidelines to crack down on repeat offenders.
Australian dissident Nick Kyrgios has been fined $60,000 for a series of angry riots at the Indian Wells and Miami Opens, with many observers saying he should have been disqualified, Reuters reported.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev was eliminated from a tournament in Acapulco in February after repeatedly hitting his racket on the referee’s chair after a double defeat.
“Effective immediately and as we head toward the clay-court swing, the ATP team has been directed to take a tougher stance on sentencing violations of the Code of Conduct,” ATP President Andrea Gaudenzi said in the memo seen by Reuters.
“In addition, we are also reviewing the Code, as well as disciplinary actions, to ensure that it provides appropriate and up-to-date penalties for serious violations and repeat offenders.”
Kyrgios was fined $35,000 after losing in the fourth round to Yannick Sener at the Miami Open during which he criticized the referee and smashed his racket.
The incident came after an explosion in Indian Wells where Kyrgios lost his temper after losing to Rafa Nadal, hit his racket on the ground, then rebounded and almost hit a ball. He was fined $25,000 for it.
The Australian earned more than $350,000 in prize money from both tournaments after competing in singles and doubles.
Olympic singles champion Zverev was given an eight-week ban for a curse-filled tantrum in Acapulco.
The ATP came under fire for what many critics and fans viewed as soft penalties from the board and in the memo Gaudenzi told the players “we all have a role to play in preserving the reputation and integrity of our sport”.
“The first three months of the season saw an unusual recurrence of high-profile incidents involving unsportsmanlike behaviour,” added Godenzi, a former Italian professional.
“These events shine a bad light on our sport. This behavior affects everyone, and sends the wrong message to our fans, especially young fans.”