Veteran doubles player Rohan Bopanna has accused the Grand Slam Board of ‘messing up ‘ the men’s doubles draw following the suspension of Fabio Fognini.
On Saturday it was announced that Fognini has been banned from the tournament following a fouled-mouth rant at an umpire during his first round match in the singles. The Italian was fined $24,000 for saying abusive words to the official, which he has since apologised for.
The ban itself has not been debated, but some players have expressed frustration with how long it took to make the decision. Fognini was suspended three days after the incident, during which he played two doubles matches. Tour veteran Bopanna, who lost his second round doubles match to the Italian, believes Fognini should have been allowed to play.
“If the tournament has already started to let them play doubles, they should have let him play the whole tournament and then make a decision because the incident that happened with Fognini was on Wednesday in a singles match.” Said Bopanna. “Then it was three days later when they came up with an announcement.”
“I think as a grand slam committee they need to make the decision much sooner. I think it affected five players in the tournament.”
Bopanna’s comments echo that of Rafael Nadal, who has also questioned the management of the incident. It is understood that the three-day case occurred due to a series of procedures. It is also reported that the board was unsure that there was any video evidence of the incident until one went viral on the internet. Although Bopanna remains critical of their approach.
“It doesn’t take 72 hours to do what they do. If they are investigating the situation, they should have not allowed him to play the match.”
Player dissatisfaction
Due to the default, John-Patrick Smith and Nicholas Monroe has moved into the quarter-finals of the draw. Fognini’s doubles partner Simona Bolelli, who was unaware of the suspension until Ubitennis told him, was forced out of the tournament. Meanwhile Bopana and his partner is left thinking what could have been if the Italian was removed earlier in the week.
“It messes up the whole draw and I don’t think it is fair on any of the players. I think it is a decision which was very wrongly done. Something like this at this event (the US Open) can’t happen at all.” The 37-year-old said.
The Indian player believes his views are one shared by others on the tour. Branding the actions of the Grand Slam Board as ‘a big mistake.’
“Every player in the locker room knows it was wrongly done. Every player knows it was not the right thing to do. Whoever I speak to knows it was not done the right way. It clearly shows it was a big mistake made by the tournament.” He explained.
Fognini could face further action if it is concluded that he committed a ‘major offence’ at the tournament. Penalties include a fine of up to $250,000 and a potential ban from future grand slam tournaments.
