World No.43 Peter Gojowczyk failed to perform at the ‘required professional standard’ in his first round match at the French Open, according to the tournament referee.
The German has been fined 25,000 euros following his retirement in his first round match at Roland Garros. Gojowczyk was taking on Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie, but retired whilst trailing 1-6, 0-2, after 41 minutes of action. He said that his hip/groin area started to hurt during the first set.
Despite the seeming straightforward retirement, officials have stated that Gojowczyk should have instead withdrawn from his first round match in order for a lucky loser to step in. The 28-year-old came into the Grand Slam straight from the Geneva Open, where he reached the final of the tournament.
In recent months the Grand Slam Board have been working to address the problem of players deliberately playing in major tournaments despite being injured. Those ranked lower in the rankings, do so for the prize money.
At the start of this year, a new policy came into place. Lucky losers and players who withdraw prior to the tournament will now split the first round prize money. This year a total of eight players entered the draw as a lucky loser. Including Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti, who drove from Barcelona to Paris the day before his first match to play in the tournament.
“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 new rule states.
Gojowczyk’s fine equates to 62.5% of the money he earned for playing in the first round at Roland Garros this year. Losers in the first round exit with 40,000 euros in their pockets.
It is not the first time this year a player has been fined for a poor performance in a major. At the Australian Open in January, Mischa Zverev was docked $45,000 for his performance against Hyeon Chung.
