Frances Tiafoe was fined $120,000 but will not be suspended for repeatedly swearing at a referee during a match he lost at the Shanghai Masters last month.
The ATP said Thursday during its season-ending tournament in Italy that the fines committee handed Tiafoe two penalties of $60,000 each for verbal abuse and his behavior.
Ranked 18th in the world, the US Open semi-finalist could have received a suspension, but he will ultimately not be deprived of competition.
During a minute-long tirade after losing 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5) to Roman Safiullin in the third round in Shanghai, Tiafoe hurled about a dozen insults at official Jimmy Pinoargote .
The 26-year-old later apologized on social media, calling his reaction unacceptable behavior. He wrote: “That’s not who I am and that’s not how I want to treat people. I let my frustration get the best of me in the moment and I am extremely disappointed in how I handled the situation. »
Tiafoe was already showing signs of frustration midway through the final set tiebreaker after receiving a time penalty on her serve. He protested this decision before continuing to play; he lost this point and the next one which cost him the match.
Tiafoe congratulated Safiullin at the net before turning to the referee and yelling at him while sending him walking. He then crossed to the other side of the net and said the referee ruined his match.
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