Fabio Fognini Kicked Out of U.S. Open After Misogynistic Rant
Fabio Fognini has been provisionally suspended from the U.S. Open "pending a final determination whether a major offense was committed" after he went on a misogynistic rant against a female umpire in his first-round loss on Wednesday. The suspension means Fognini and doubles partner Simone Bolelli will forfeit their Round of 16 match and be withdrawn from the doubles draw.
Fognini was fined $24,000 total for three infractions—the citations were for $15,000, $5,000 and $4,000—after he berated Swedish official Louise Engzell during his 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 0-6 loss to Stefano Travaglia. He later released a statement apologizing for his actions, saying "First of all I would apologize to you fans, to the referee for what happened. 'It was just a very bad day, but it did not forgive my behavior in the match."
The Grand Slam Board is investigating whether Fognini, a 30-year-old Italian ranked 26th in the world, is guilty of a Major Offense of Aggravated Behavior.
Fognini's suspension means the winner of the second-round match between Rogerio Dutra Silva/Paolo Lorenzi and Nicholas Monroe/John-Patrick Smith will move on to the quarterfinals.
