Germany’s Mischa Zverev has lost almost all of his prize money earned at this year’s Australian Open after being issued with a record fine for poor performance during his first round match.
The world No.35 has been fined $45,000 for unprofessional conduct. During his first round match against Hyeon Chung, Zverev retired whilst trailing 6-2, 4-1. It is understood that the German said that he was suffering from a ‘viral illness,’ but that excuse has been dismissed by officials.
Zverev’s punishment follows a new rule introduced by the Grand Slam board last November amid concerns about players deliberately playing grand slam matches unfit in order to get the prize money. It is called the First Round Performance rule. At last year’s Wimbledon championships there was a series of early round withdrawals, prompting suspicion from some.
“Any player who competes in the first round main draw singles and retires or performs below professional standards, may now be subject to a fine up to (the equivalent) first round prize money in 2018.” The rule states.
Under current regulations, a player can receive half of the first round prize money if they withdraw before the tournament gets underway. The other half will go to the lucky loser that fills in the vacant position, plus what they could accumulate by winning matches.
The spike in suspicious grand slam withdrawals have highlighted the disparity in prize money earned by players. 30-year-old Zverev has earned $4.1 million in prize money so far in his career. Placing him in the top 200 on the all-time list. On the other hand, it is less than 5% of what Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer has earned.
The financial constraints on players remains an issue. Players ranked outside the top 100 struggle to cover costs for travel, equipment and coaches. Although the governing bodies of the sport have pledged to do more to help support those players.
Speaking about the First Round Performance rule, Australian Open director Craig Tiley told The New York Times that he believes it is having a good impact on the sport.
“What has occurred in the first round has shown that the new rule works,” said Tiley. “The real winner from this is the tennis fan who gets to see high-quality, competitive tennis, and I think the players are embracing it.”
There has been no comment from Zverev regarding his fine.
