Former top 10 player Nicolas Almagro has denied accusations that he deliberately played the first round injured at the Australian Open in order to take home more prize money.
The Spaniard lasted 23 minutes on court before retiring 0-4 down to France’s Jeremy Chardy due to a calf injury. Despite his retirement, Almagro will exit Melbourne with Aus$50 000 ($37 400) in prize money for losing in the first round.
During Almagro’s brief appearance on the court, former player Mark Woodbridge cast doubts over his true intentions. The former world No.1 doubles player, who is commentating during the Australian Open, suggested that Almagro wanted to play in the first round injured to win more money.
“Questions to be asked. Did (Almagro) just turn up to take money?” Woodbridge said.
The year’s Melbourne tournament has a record prize money pot of $50 million. First round losers will receive a 30% increase in earnings compared to 2016.
Following the comment, the world No.42 has played down Woodbridge’s theory. Almagro, who has won over $10 million in prize money throughout his career, has insisted that money wasn’t his motive for playing his opening match injured. The 31-year-old also claimed that he debated withdrawing from the tournament prior to his showdown against Chardy.
“I went to court because I think I can play. I was top 10, I have more than 10 million dollars. I’m not going to play for $50 000. It is not the reason.” Almagro told the media in Melbourne.
“I was trying to play during the week. It was tough. I did an MRI (scan) and the result wasn’t good. That’s it. I couldn’t play. I felt the problem again on court and I had to retire.
“I considered (withdrawing) but I was practising, I didn’t feel it during the week. I decided to play today.”
Peaking at a high of ninth in 2011 on the Emirates rankings, Almagro has won 16 ATP titles in his career. Last year he claimed trophies in Argentina and Portugal. It is the fourth consecutive year that he has failed to progress further than the second round at the Australian Open.
