Hugo Gaston has been fined $144,000 by the ATP for repeatedly breaking a rule concerning unsportsmanlike conduct on the Tour.
French newspaper L’Equipe reports that the world No.108 has been punished for trying to change the outcome of a point during his match against Borna Coric at the Madrid Open. Gaston was caught on camera taking a ball from his pocket and dropping it to the ground as Coric hit a smash in the hope that the umpire would call a let and order the point to be replayed. It is understood that he was previously warned by the ATP for doing the same thing at the end of last year.
According to the rulebook, unsportsmanlike conduct offences at Masters 1000 events can result in a fine of up to $60,000. However, it is increased by 100% if the same violation is committed within the same calendar year. This is a relatively new rule that has been brought in to deter repeat offenders.
“In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are singularly egregious, the ATPSupervisor may refer the matter to the ATP Fines Committee who shall conduct an investigation to determine whether the player Major Offense of Aggravated Behavior or Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game has occurred. Prize money earned at that event shall be held by ATP until the ATP Fines Committee has concluded their investigation and made a determination.” The rulebook states.
The fine has effectively cancelled out all of Gaston’s earnings for this season which currently stands at $121,712, according to the ATP website. Although he has earned more than $1.7M during his entire career. Neither Gaston nor his coach, Younes El Aynaoui, have publicly commented on the penalty which was confirmed to L’Equipe by ‘several concordant sources.’
A former Australian Open junior champion in doubles, Gaston has been ranked as high as No.58 in the world last year and reached one ATP final in Gstaad back in 2021. His best Grand Slam performance was a run to the fourth round of the French Open in 2022.
However, this season has been more of a struggle for the 22-year-old who has only won two main draw matches on the ATP Tour. On the lower-level Challenger Tour, he was runner-up at the Vina del Mar Open in Chile.
Gaston has been given a wildcard for next week’s French Open.
