9 hours ago 1

Vallejo fined for comments about female umpire

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo has been fined $65,000 (£48,300) for making "unacceptable" comments about a female umpire following his exit from the French Open.

The 22-year-old from Paraguay criticised Brazil's Ana Carvalho in an interview with Clay magazine, saying she was not strong enough to handle the crowd in his second-round defeat by French teenager Moise Kouame and that it was the sort of the match that should have been officiated by a man.

Following those comments, French Open organisers said the comments were "unacceptable" and "strongly condemn all sexist remarks".

Vallejo has been sanctioned with one of the biggest fines in Grand Slam history.

"A fine of $65,000 has been imposed, roughly half of his prize money," tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said.

"This is clearly something that is unacceptable to us, to the tournament and to the Federation even beyond the tournament. This kind of language has no place here."

Players eliminated in the second round of the men's singles receive 130,000 euros ($151,000 or £112,000) in prize money.

After organisers said they would fine Vallejo on Friday, the world number 71 apologised on Instagram.

"I have respect for the umpires and for the job they do, after a five-hour battle I was very heated and felt a lot of emotions, I apologise," Vallejo posted on Instagram.

According to the Grand Slam rulebook, Vallejo could have received a fine of up to $100,000 (£74,200) for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Read Entire Article