Fognini pays for sexist outburst

Italian Fabio Fognini was fined $96,000 and hit with a suspended ban from two Grand Slams on Wednesday for having insulted an umpire at the US Open.

Fognini was kicked out of the US Open and fined $24,000 at the time for launching a sexist tirade at Swedish female umpire Louise Engzell after a first-round defeat to compatriot Stefano Travaglia at the end of August.

The world No 28 has been warned that if he offends again by the end of 2019, he will be banned from two Grand Slams, one of which will be the US Open.

However, if he keeps out of trouble his fine will be halved.

"Mr Fognini accepts and will not appeal this decision and he has expressed remorse for his admitted misconduct," said the Grand Slam Board in a statement.

Shortly after being kicked out of the US Open, 30-year-old Fognini appeared contrite about his indiscretion.

"Should (the Grand Slam Board) decide to ban me from the next Australian Open, I will accept the decision, because actions have consequences and I need to pay for what I did," Fognini told Italian Sky Sports TV a month ago.

"I am aware of the severity of my mistake, I take full responsibility for it."

Fognini is in action at this week's Shanghai Masters, where he will next face world No 1 Rafael Nadal.

AFP