American player Coco Vandeweghe has been given the biggest fine of this year’s Australian Open so far following a duo of incidents during her first round loss to Timea Babos.
The world No.9 received two code violations during her opening match for time wasting and swearing. The first incident occurred at the end of the first set when she refused to continue playing until she received a banana. The fiery American complained to the umpire about the court being ‘ill-prepared.’
“So you want me to screw up routine because of an ill-prepared court? That’s not fair.” She said during the match.
“I don’t understand why you’re being so rude about it. I’m being very cool.
“Now they’re here. Do you mind if I take a bite?”
Vandeweghe was warned that she didn’t have time to take a bite of the banana, but proceeded to do so. Resulting in a time violation being issued to her. Later in the match the 26-year-old came under heavy criticism on Social media after being heard calling Babos a ‘*F***ing B**ch.‘ Prompting another warning being issued to her from the umpire.
The American has been fined a total of $10,000 for her outbursts. Making it the biggest penalty issued to a player so far this year in Melbourne. Other players punished in the tournament include Borna Coric and Nick Kyrgios. Coric was docked $5000 for racket abuse and Kyrgios $3000 for swearing.
Following her first round exit, Vandeweghe said that Babos was ‘in your face with her c’mons.’ Something the Hungarian player denied when questioned about it. The world No.9 also claimed that she requested for her first round match to be delayed because she was recovering from the flu, but was denied by officials.
Vandeweghe also lost in the first round of the women’s doubles tournament on Wednesday.
