The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has hit French tennis player Hugo Gaston with a staggering €144,000 fine. (approximately £125,000) by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) for multiple unsportsmanlike conduct violations throughout the season. The penalty imposed on Hugo Gaston exceeds his total earnings for 2023, which stand at just over $120,000 (about €111,000/£97,000).
The ATP’s severe punishment comes in response to Gaston’s most recent offence at the Madrid Open in April. This was where he suffered a 6-3, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Borna Coric in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. During the match, Gaston dropped a spare ball from his pocket onto the court while his opponent was about to hit a potential winner. Attempting to manipulate the umpire into calling a lot. The dropped spare ball from Gaston’s pocket could have resulted in the umpire replaying the point due to interference with play.
This incident marks Gaston’s fourth unsportsmanlike conduct violation in 2023. Prompting the governing body to take decisive action, especially considering he had previously received warnings from the ATP. According to the ATP’s statement. Fines for unsportsmanlike conduct increase by 100% with each consecutive violation in the same season, making Gaston’s penalty particularly substantial.
Gaston has appealed against the fine, with the potential for a 50% reduction to €72,000 (£62,000) if successful. However, the ATP’s statement clarifies that the reduction is contingent upon certain conditions. This includes Gaston avoiding any further violations over a probationary period of 12 months.
Despite the financial setback, Gaston will have an opportunity to bolster his prize money earnings at the upcoming Roland Garros tournament, where he has been granted a wildcard entry into the main draw. Participating in the clay-court Grand Slam event, players earn €69,000 (£60,000) for a first-round appearance. In last year’s competition, Gaston was impressed by reaching the third round. A stage that now carries a prize money value of €142,000 (£123,000). After he caused an upset by defeating 19th seed Alex de Minaur in the opening round.
